Letter to the Prime Minister of Norway
It is with heartfelt sorrow that we hasten to covey to you and the noble Citizens of Norway, our personal condolences and sympathies, as well as those of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, for the recent tragedies that have truly shaken your Nation and the world. We beheld the live news reports in terror as the toll of human hatred temporarily overcame the calm of Oslo and the children's joy at Utoya Island. Words cannot express the shock and grief provoked by these atrocious acts.

In the aftermath of these terrorist attacks, we find courage and comfort in the resiliency and unity demonstrated by your fellow countrymen. For, in the face of fear they displayed courage. In the face of hatred, they demonstrated sacrificial love and boundless compassion. In the face of disunity, they remained and will remain, "united and loyal until the mountains of Dovre crumble." For these reasons and others alike, we remain confident that these atrocious acts of intimidation will not prevail in swaying the Norwegian People's venerable ethos or livelihood. May God preserve your Country and People.

With a mourning, but hopeful heart, we offer from our Venerable See, our sincerest prayers for the healing, strength, and stability of your gracious Nation. We also pray for the repose of the souls of all those who lost their lives, and for the comfort of those who are mourning. May our Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, manifest to the entire world His never-ending peace and great-mercy.

With these words, Your Excellency, we assure you of our solidarity, thoughts and prayers during this time of silence, contemplation and healing.

At the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the 25th of July 2011

Prayerfully yours,

† BARTHOLOMEW
Archbishop of Constantinople-
New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch

His Excellency Jens Stoltenberg
Prime Minister of Norway
In Oslo

Letter to the Bishop of Oslo

It is with heartfelt sorrow that we hasten to convey to you and to your faithful in the peace-filled and peace-rewarding country of Norway, our personal condolences and sincere sympathies, as well as those of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, for the recent tragedies that have harrowingly shaken your nation and the entire world.

We witnessed the live news reports with disbelief and horror as the toll of human hatred temporarily overcame the calm of Oslo and the joy of the young men and women at Utoya Island. Words cannot express the shock and grief provoked in the hearts of all by these atrocious acts.

In these most difficult times for the people of Norway, we offer our most fervent prayers for reconciliation and peace as we humbly remind you of our Savior's words to His Disciples: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not b e afraid."

It is in the peace promised by Christ through the comfort of the Holy Spirit that we receive strength and encourage one another to move ahead in our troubled and divided world.

At the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the 1st of August 2011

Prayerfully yours,

† BARTHOLOMEW
Archbishop of Constantinople-
New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch

The Rt. Rev. Ole Christian Mælen Kvarme
Bishop of Oslo
In Oslo