St. Petersburg Governor Georgy Poltavchenko informed today that the recently announced mourning for the 224 victims of the crash of the Kogalymavia plane in the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt will be extended by two days, until November 3rd.
"It was decided to extend city ceremonies for two days: on Monday and Tuesday," Poltavchenko said.
Today, all national flags are lowered and all TV stations have cancelled their entertainment programs and commercial advertising.
Prayers for the victims of the tragedy were held in all churches and monasteries of the St. Petersburg diocese.
Prayers for the health of the families and their friends will be offered in all the churches and monasteries of the diocese.
Some Russian musicians decided to cancel their performances.
The Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar urged all members of the Jewish community "to come to synagogues and pray for the dead," and expressed condolences to the families and friends of the victims. "We share the grief of the bereaved families and pray that God give rest to their souls, and sent down pacification to relatives and friends, as well as allow them to survive the untimely death of their loved ones," he said.
Condolences for the tragedy were expressed by the head of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia Alexander Boroda. "On this day of mourning for Russia, our hearts are with all those who mourn their loved ones, regardless of their origin or religion. All of us are experiencing a deep sense of compassion and solidarity,’’ he said.
Ships and coastal parts of the Russian Federation Black Sea Fleet lowered the St. Andrew flags. Also, sailors posted mourning ribbons. According to a representative of the Navy of the country, almost 70% of the Black Sea Fleet command staff are graduates of St. Petersburg naval schools.
"This city is actually a second home for them. The Black Sea Fleet takes the tragedy, in which residents of St. Petersburg died, very closely. It is not only state, but also personal mourning," the source noted.
Mourning took place today in Baku. It was organized near the Russian Embassy in Azerbaijan. According to Trend, residents of Baku are bringing flowers, notes of condolence, oil lamps and soft toys to the Russian embassy.
A book of condolences will be open on November 2nd-3rd at the Russian embassy in Minsk. This was reported by a representative of the diplomatic mission. "A book of condolences is to be opened in Monday and Tuesday from 10.00 to 13.00 and from 14.00 to 17.00.’’ In addition, yesterday residents of Minsk brought flowers, candles and stuffed toys to the fence of the embassy.
Yesterday Kiev residents came to the Russian Embassy in Ukraine with flowers and notes of condolence.
A rally of mourning was held in the city of Donetsk near the cathedral. It was attended by more than 200 people. All of them were carrying flowers and white balloons with names of the victims of the tragedy. After the funeral ceremony the balloons were launched into the sky.
A book of condolences is open at the Russian Embassy in London from 10.00 to 17.00, the press service of the embassy informed.
