(Initially shared via Social Media on October 27, the day of the tragic shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood, approx. 1 mile from the Metropolis offices.)

Statement of His Eminence Metropolitan Savas on today’s tragedy in Pittsburgh:

“A brother helped by a brother is like a strong city.” (Proverbs 18:19)

We Pittsburghers take pride in our city of neighborhoods. The horrific violence inflicted on our neighbors of The Tree of Life Congregation in Squirrel Hill this morning tears at the hearts of us all. An attack against the Jewish community, in fact an attack against any community based on race, faith, or ethnicity, is an attack against us all - it is an assault against humanity, a sin of the most grievous magnitude. We Greek Orthodox Christians of the Metropolis of Pittsburgh extend our fervent prayers to God on behalf of the families of those who have suffered loss or endured injuries this day. We join with all people of good will in committing ourselves to the renunciation of violence in speech and act directed at communities of faith, and to the restoration and maintenance of civility and peace.