Abp. Elpidophoros: Today, America Suffers With Kirk Family
Archbishop Elpidophoros. Photo: The National Herald
SEPT. 11, 2025 — Archbishop Elpidophoros of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America has released a statement on the assassination of conservative personality Charlie Kirk.
The founder of Turning Point USA, who was a rallying figure for young conservatives and close friend of President Donald Trump, was shot in the neck during a public event in Utah on Wednesday. The president later announced that Kirk had died due to the gunshot wound.
The full statement from His Eminence is published below.
Charlie Kirk has been murdered in the prime of his life, leaving behind his beloved wife Erika and their two young children. Their loss is immeasurable, and their grief must be carried by us all. As the Apostle Paul teaches, “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26). Today, America suffers with this family. May the God of all consolation, embrace his wife and her children with His tender mercy and grant them strength in this hour of sorrow.
We must also acknowledge what this act of violence could represent for our nation. To resort to the cowardice of a bullet rather than the power of the word is to inflict a wound upon the very soul of America. “Those who live by the sword will perish by the sword” (Matthew 26:52), as Christ reminds us. If political violence is allowed to become normalized, we imperil not only human lives but the very fabric of our democracy. We must strive for a united America, where differences are expressed without fear, and where every human life is held sacred. Only in this spirit can we heal the wound that has been opened and turn again toward peace.
Previously, UOJ published an editorial on the Orthodox response to the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
Read also
Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture
Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.
JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism
Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.
First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language
The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.
OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law
Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.
EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’
In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.
Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.