His Grace Bishop Timotei, head of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Spain and Portugal, has expressed solidarity with the Portuguese people following the Lisbon funicular accident on September 3, which killed 17 people and injured 21 others.
In a message addressed to the President of Portugal and the Mayor of Lisbon, Bishop Timotei said he was praying “for the repose of the departed, for the swift recovery of the injured, and for the spiritual comfort of the bereaved families.”
The bishop of Romanian Orthodox faithful in Spain and Portugal also turned his thoughts to the specialists and volunteers involved in the rescue and assistance efforts, assuring them of his prayers.
His message joined that of Romanian Patriarch Daniel, who had earlier conveyed condolences to Lisbon Patriarch Rui Manuel Sousa Valério.
The Lisbon Tragedy
Portuguese authorities announced that 17 people were killed and 21 others injured in one of the most severe tragedies to strike Lisbon in recent times.
“The Portuguese authorities have completed their checks and officially confirmed that there are no Romanian citizens among the victims,” Romania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday, referring to the Lisbon accident.
Full message:
“With deep consternation, we received the news of the tragic accident that took place in Lisbon on September 3, involving the Glória funicular.
In the name of the Romanian Orthodox Church and its faithful in Spain and Portugal, we wish to express our deepest solidarity to Your Excellency, the Portuguese people, and the bereaved families at this time of grief.
We offer prayers for the repose of the souls of those who perished, for the swift recovery of the injured, and for the spiritual comfort of the families affected, as well as for the strengthening of the workers and all professionals and volunteers engaged in rescue and assistance efforts.
With the highest sentiments of consideration,
† TIMOTEI
Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Spain and Portugal”
Photo: Basilica Files
