“The transformation of the afflicted, you are the cure of those in sickness, Theotokos, O Virgin; save your people and your town. You are the peace of those in conflict, the calm of those in turmoil, the only protection of the faithful.” — Theotokion – Service of the Small Paraklesis
The Holy Eparchial Synod of our Archdiocese has issued the following statement on the tragic events in Boston, Massachusetts which occurred on Monday, April 15, 2013:
“On this day of shock and mourning, our hearts and prayers are with the victims of this latest horrendous terrorist attack. We express our unequivocal condemnation of all acts of violence and terrorism against society, which incite the justified indignation of all people who value human life, freedom and justice. We stand together with people of Boston, the participants of the Boston Marathon and their families and the people of our Nation as a whole. We call upon all our faithful to offer prayers for the repose of the souls of the innocent victims who lost their lives in these tragic events and pray for the healing of those immediately affected and for the Nation.”
We stand in solidarity with the people of Boston, those who participated in the Marathon, those who were injured, and especially with the families of those who lost their lives as a result of this senseless act of terrorism. This is a time for us and for all the faithful of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco to unite in prayer. Specifically, this Sunday, April 21, during the Great Litany of the Divine Liturgy, please include appropriate petitions asking God to heal the wounds of those who were injured, and also to grant repose to those innocent souls who suffered loss of life.
May our Lord Jesus Christ, whose Holy Resurrection we are about to celebrate, hear our prayer, and may He grant solace and healing to the families of the afflicted, the people of Boston, and to our Nation.
With Love in Christ,
+ G E R A S I M O S
Metropolitan of San Francisco