Russians are still trying to recover emotionally from the terrorist attack against a concert hall in the outskirts of capital Moscow in which 137 people were killed.

On Friday evening, at least four attackers entered the Crocus City Hall leisure centre and auditorium as around 6,000 were waiting for a rock concert to begin. According to witnesses, the terrorists shot at people indiscriminately and later set the whole building on fire.

Over 60 people are still recovering from injuries in hospitals and 11 people were detained by the police.

A branch of ISIS (the Islamic State terrorist movement) said in a message some hours later that it was behind the attack, saying their aim was to “attack a large gathering of Christians”.

Baptists, ahead of Easter: “Christ is the reconciler”

“May God have mercy on all those who suffer. Let us pray for God’s comfort”, said the head of the Baptist Federation of Russia, Peter Mickiewicz. “May wars and conflicts cease. Let us continue to pray for peace in the hearts of people, peace in families, in countries and peace between peoples”. 

“Unfortunately, there is so much hatred, resentment and grief in this difficult time”, he message posted on the church’s website said. “On the eve of Easter, I remind you of the Saviour and Reconciler, Jesus Christ”.

One of the evangelical churches in Moscow that was organising concert this Sunday announced it was cancelling the event. “We are mourning and would like to express our condolences to the families of the victims, we ask God for mercy and protection”, they said.