“In shock we have been watching the dramatic developments in the Attica region due to the great fires that are destroying human lives, the residents’ property and burning its vital forest wealth”, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew wrote in a statement released today. “Our prayers intensify and join those of the Archbishop of Athens Ieronymos and the metropolitans of the affected regions”. “May God help to stop this massive human and ecological disaster, whose consequences are undoubtedly incalculable”, and give strength to “the families of the victims and the injured”. The Patriarch extended his “deep sympathy and support of the Mother Church” also to the “inhabitants of Crete and other regions of Greece” affected by the fires. More than fifty people have already died in the fires in Greece.