The new violence at Drumcree has damaged hopes of a summer free of violence, Northern Ireland's First Minister Mr David Trimble said today.
After visiting an officer who was one of 24 injured riots yesterday, Mr Trimble said: "It is appalling that we have had so many police officers injured."
Sgt Peter Saulters, who suffered a mouth injury after being hit by a missile, was the last injured officer to be released from hospital and is expected to be allowed home later today.
Mr Trimble said he did not attach any blame for the disturbances on the organisers of the parade at Drumcree, the Portadown Orange Order District Lodge.
"But some people who thought they were coming to support Portadown district ended up doing an enormous amount of damage to Orangeism and to our hopes for a peaceful summer."
He added: "Those orangemen who engaged in an attack on the police let themselves down, let the institution down and I hope very much that the leadership of the Orange Order look at this very carefully to see what can be done."
PA Patrick Logue adds:Earlier the Church of Ireland primate Archbishop Robin Eames described the violence in Drumcree as "deplorable, disgusting and completely unacceptable."
In a statement he said: "All condemnation of those scenes must be without reservation. The verbal and physical attacks on the police have once more portrayed the ugly face of violence in this Province across the world.
"Nothing can excuse such thuggery. I extend my sincere sympathy to those officers who were injured and pray that they will soon recover.
"While unreserved condemnation of yesterday’s events must be made those events must further strengthen our wills to find a solution.
"Despite our frustration and disappointment we cannot walk away from this problem." The Chairman of the Northern Ireland Policing Board also condemned the "vicious violence directed at the police at Drumcree" and urged all those with influence to promote peaceful demonstration in the coming days and weeks.
Speaking after receiving a report from the Acting Chief Constable, Mr Colin Cramphorn, on the injuries to officers, the board's Chairman Professor Desmond Rea, said: "The viciousness of attack directed at the police was extremely disturbing as were the level and extent of injuries sustained by the police and their military colleagues. The latter are to be credited for their professionalism in dealing with what was mindless thuggery.
"I would urge all those with influence to promote peaceful demonstration in the coming days and weeks. Extreme violence does not promote any cause," he added.