October 29, 2018

NEW YORK – His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Geron of America, on behalf of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, expresses the disbelief, outrage, pain and sorrow of all Greek Orthodox people in America at the horrendous terrorist and racist attack against innocent people attending their religious services at the “Tree of Life” Synagogue in Pittsburgh, on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018.

Archbishop Demetrios stated:

“Eleven innocent people lost their lives and six others were injured, just because of their faith and as they were praying during their Sabbath services in Pittsburgh. We’re in shock, and we mourn the senseless loss of life of our fellow human beings in this anti-Semitic horrendous manifestation of hate, evil and violence. We unequivocally condemn this and all acts of violence and terrorism against society, and especially against people for their religious beliefs, and express our justified indignation as citizens who value human life, freedom and justice.

We stand in unity and solidarity with the families of the victims and the survivors, including the four officers wounded as they were responding to the attack. We embrace the Jewish community of Pittsburgh, as they grieve for their loved ones. We, as a nation and we the Orthodox Christians in the United States, are in a constant state of fervent prayer, asking the Almighty God for healing, solace and guidance during these challenging times.”

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