Deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those on board Malaysia Airlines MH17. Our prayers are constantly with you.

News agencies reported yesterday evening (17 July) that a Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 – flight MH17 en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur – has crashed in the Ukraine.  It was reportedly shot while flying at an altitude of 10,000 meters over the eastern part of that country, and crashed shortly afterwards.  280 passengers and 15 crew members were on board; all 295 were feared dead.

We would like to convey our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the casualties of MH17.  No words can describe the pain and shock we feel at this tragic turn of events.  We pray that you remain strong mentally and spiritually in the face of this calamity.

We would also like to convey our sympathies to all Malaysians, and especially the employees of Malaysia Airlines, over the loss of another aircraft even before the pain of losing MH370 has subsided.  May we as a nation face this catastrophe united in spirit, compassion, and deep prayers.

‘Santi’ – Peace.