Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, as soon as he was informed about the great disaster caused by the extreme weather phenomena in Evia, made the following statement:
“We are shocked to watch the devastating consequences of the deadly bad weather that hit Evia, and mainly areas of the Municipalities of Chalkida and Dirfys-Messapia, from which five of our fellow human beings lost their lives and one is missing. During these difficult hours, we join our prayers with those of our brothers Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece, Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Chalkida and all those affected by the deadly weather. May God rest the souls of our fellow human beings who lost their lives, including an infant, and strengthen their relatives and all those affected. We hope that our Lord will strengthen the competent state and local authorities to deal with the situation caused by the extreme weather phenomena, as well as to support and alleviate all those who are suffering.”
The Ecumenical Patriarch contacted by phone Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Chalkida, to whom he expressed the support of the Mother Church and asked him to sent his condolences to the victims’ families, as well as his support to all those affected.