A Tragic Event

Source: blogger.com

 A heartfelt communication from one of our sister Orthodox parishes in Minneapolis concerning yesterday's shootings at the Annunciation Catholic School. Please read through this carefully.

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Dear Friends and Neighbors,

We, the congregation of St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church in Minneapolis, are deeply and tearfully heartbroken at the horrifying event that occurred this morning a mere 3 miles from our church at Annunciation Catholic School. A few children from our parish are students at Annunciation Catholic School and were present during the shooting that took place. Among the 20 shooting victims, was also our wonderful Sophia Forchas, an 12-year-old 7th grader. Sophia was born and raised in our St. Mary's parish, immersed in the life of the Church together with her extended family who are devoted members of our congregation. 

I have spent a good portion of the day with Sophia's family at Hennepin County Medical Center where Sophia went into surgery immediately as she was one of the shooting victims who had been critically injured. We prayed and comforted each other throughout the day. The first responders, both ambulance and police, were superbly prompt and attentive to facilitating the support of the family. The medical staff at HCMC along with the spiritual support chaplains were incredibly helpful in these very early and critical moments. Currently, Sophia has passed through the difficult and long surgery but remains in a critical situation. More will be determined by the loving and caring medical staff in approximately 2 to 3 days. Please know that while I was at the hospital and as the surgery was in progressing at our church the clergy of our vicariate led by our own Metropolitan Nathanael were serving the Divine Liturgy and offering prayers of intercessions for the recovery of Sophia and all the victims. 

Sophia's family and I are truly thankful for the immediate embrace of prayers coming from literally all parts of the world. To further strengthen our intercessory prayers for good health we invite everyone to our church tomorrow Thursday, August 28, at 6:00 p.m. for a Prayer of Supplication/Paraklesis. Metropolitan Nathanael will lead all of us in offering the Paraklesis for the good health of our dear Sophia but also for all the victims and all the children and staff of Annunciation Catholic School. Everyone in our neighborhood and beyond is invited to join us for the Prayer tomorrow at 6:00 p.m. May the Lord God have mercy on all of us!

I remain faithfully yours in Christ,

Fr. Timothy Sas
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We will pray for Sophia and all of the shooting victims this evening during the Vesperal Liturgy at 6:00 p.m.

Fr. Steven