Jerusalem clergy offer condolences after Sri Lanka, Notre-Dame tragedies

AMMAN — Patriarchs and heads of churches in Jerusalem recently expressed their condolences and solidarity with those affected by the terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka, and the French people after a fire engulfed Notre Dame in Paris.

Three churches and four hotels were hit by suicide bombers on Sunday morning, killing 321 people and wounding another 500, according to Reuters, while a fire engulfed Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris on April 15.

“We the patriarchs and heads of churches in Jerusalem strongly condemn the terrorist attacks on three churches — St Anthony’s Shrine in Kochchikade, St Sebastian’s Church in Negombo and Zion Church in Batticaloa — and three hotels in Sri Lanka,” the clergy said in a statement sent to The Jordan Times.

“We are grievously saddened by the horrific acts of violence brought on innocent people and worshippers at Easter Sunday services. The churches in Jerusalem convey their deepest condolences to the communities, families and friends of those who have lost their lives and have been injured and affected by these evil deeds. We stand in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka as a whole, especially those who are directly affected by these terrorist acts,” the statement added.

“May the risen Lord bring his peace, healing and hope to the people of Sri Lanka and bring an end to violence and bloodshed throughout the world.”

The patriarchs and heads of churches in Jerusalem also released a statement expressing their solidarity with the people of France after Notre Dame caught fire on April 15.

“Our hearts burned as we watched on media screens of the cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris lit up by fire. This cathedral, which witnessed historic events in the French capital for nearly 850 years, is a holy place, is an art masterpiece and a distinguished symbol of human civilization,” the statement said.

“In these dark times, we affirm our support to the French people and President Emmanuel Macron and declare our full solidarity with them for this tragic loss to humanity,” the clergy said. “As we pray for the French people at these painful moments, we hope and trust the French people’s ability and good relations around the world to rebuild the cathedral, so it would become a symbol of the French people’s ability to turn this catastrophe into a world-renowned achievement.”