ROC Primate performs funeral service for ambassador Karlov at Christ the Savior Cathedral

Moscow, December 22, a prayer service for the slain Russian Ambassador to Turkey, Andrey Karlov, is taking place at the Christ the Savior Cathedral on Thursday, reports Interfax.

The religious service is being performed by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. The ceremony is being attended by the colleagues, friends and relatives of the diplomat. The service is accompanied by the sound of church bells.

The Russian church leader has known the late ambassador for a long time. Ten years ago, then as head of the Synodal Department for External Church Relations, he performed a rite of marriage for Karlov and his wife at the Russian St. Trinity Church in Pyongyang where Karlov served as ambassador to North Korea.

Bells will be ringing at this church on the day of the funeral, Alexander Matsegora, Russia's current ambassador to North Korea and a friend of Karlov's, said.
Russian Ambassador to Turkey Andrey Karlov died after being shot in a gun attack at a photo gallery exhibition opening in Ankara on 19 December. According to the Interior Ministry of Turkey, the Russian diplomat was assassinated by a 22-year-old police officer Mevlüt Mert Altıntaş. He motivated his actions by dissatisfaction with Russia's policy in Syria. In the attack two more people were injured. The gunman was shot dead by Turkey’s special forces. Russian Ambassador to Turkey Andrey Karlov was posthumously awarded the title Hero of Russia.

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