Met. Nathanael of Chicago Issues Statement on Minnesota Shooting

Photo: Facebook - Nathanael Symeonides

After the news broke that an individual impersonating a police officer had killed a Minnesota state representative and her husband and injured a state senator and his wife on Saturday, His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America issued a statement on social media.

The statement is published in full below.

With heavy hearts, we mourn the senseless loss of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. We pray fervently for the healing of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. And we lift up their families and loved ones in our prayers during this time of profound suffering.

Words of solace seem wholly inadequate when faced with a tragedy that strikes at the very homes of its victims. Yet, I implore our clergy, our faithful, and our neighbors to use our prayers and words to look introspectively.

As we reflect, do we see Christ’s teachings – love, forgiveness, and humility – reflected in our thoughts, words, and deeds? Or do we, knowingly or unknowingly, mirror the brokenness of a world too often consumed by fear, resentment, and violence?

As followers of Christ, we are called to heal rather than harm, to unite rather than divide. In a world marred by the darkness of evil, we can never forget that we must be bearers of His radiant light – even and especially in the most turbulent times.

May God grant us the strength to respond with compassion and the wisdom to see the face of Christ in every person.

May the memories of State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, be eternal.

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