Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia has expressed condolences to the families of those killed in an attack on an Orthodox church in Jordan that left nine people dead and 34 injured. The attack took place during a funeral service at St. George’s Orthodox Church in the Al-Hamoud area of the Al-Karak governorate on October 23.

In a message to Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem, Kirill condemned the attack on worshippers who had gathered at the church to pray and pay their final respects to a deceased person. He expressed hope that those who organized and carried out the crime would be brought to justice.

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church also wished a speedy recovery to those injured and offered words of comfort to the families of the victims.

Memorial service held in Jerusalem
On October 24, Patriarch Theophilos III led a memorial service for the victims at the Patriarchal Monastery Church of Saints Constantine and Helen in Jerusalem.

During the service, he prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls, comfort for their relatives and the restoration of peace throughout the region.

At noon, church bells rang across cities in Jordan and Palestine in memory of those killed and injured. The initiative was organized at the Jerusalem Patriarch’s request as a gesture of solidarity with the victims and their families.

Other religious and political leaders also conveyed their condolences to Theophilos III, including Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens, the president of Greece and representatives of the Greek government.

Jordan declares three days of national mourning
The Jordanian government declared three days of national mourning following the attack. Flags were lowered at government buildings and Jordanian diplomatic missions abroad.

King Abdullah II called for a review of measures to combat terrorism in the wake of the tragedy.

According to reports, three armed men opened fire on people attending a funeral service at St. George’s Orthodox Church on October 23. The latest reported toll stands at nine dead and 34 wounded, with 25 injured people reportedly remaining in hospital.

Most of those killed reportedly belonged to the Khalas family, one of Jordan’s prominent Christian families.