It is with profound sorrow that the Ecumenical Patriarchate learned of the assassination and terrorist attack on the life of the Ambassador of the Russian Federation in Ankara, the late Andrey Karlov, with whom it enjoyed very warm relations.

The Ecumenical Patriarchate expresses its abhorrence and condemns this sacrilegious and inhumane act against the life of a good man and worthy diplomat, who only worked for peace. Moreover, it expresses its condolences to the family of Ambassador Karlov, his coworkers and colleagues, as well as the church and political leadership of the Russian Federation, along with the pious Russian people as a whole for this great loss. Finally, the Ecumenical Patriarchate prays that, in the new year that is upon us, all such actions of terrorism may cease and the world may be at peace for the reconciliation of all and the constructive cooperation of people and nations, but also for the welfare of all humankind.

Eternal be the memory of the servant of God Andrey! May God grant him rest in the land of the living, where the righteous repose!

At the Phanar, December 20th, 2016