NEW YORK – His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, very saddened by the news of the senseless and tragic shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church expressed on behalf of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America “deep sorrow, sympathy and prayers for the victims, their families and their community.” The shooting in Charleston, South Carolina, took the lives of nine innocent people.

“I am deeply saddened and distraught by the news of this heinous crime,” he stated, “which took place in a church, in a sacred place of worship, during a time of Bible study. We, the Greek Orthodox Church in America, mourn the loss of innocent lives and stand in solidarity with the people of the community in Charleston. We pray fervently to God for the repose of the souls of the victims and for strength, comfort and consolation to their loved ones and everyone affected by this unspeakable tragedy. Furthermore, we firmly reiterate the unyielding commitment of the Orthodox Church to all efforts for the elimination of the causes of similar inhuman actions.”