BREAKING: Minneapolis Church Shooting Survivor Released from Hospital
Sophia Forchas, a 12-year-old Orthodox Christian, had a miraculous recovery after being shot in the head in August.
MINNEAPOLIS — On Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, Sophia Forchas was released from the Gilette Children's hospital after making a miraculous recovery following the Annunciation Catholic Church shooting in Minneapolis in August.
Sophia, a 12-year-old parishioner of St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church and student at Annunciation Catholic School, had a bullet lodged in her brain, which required the removal of the left half of her skull to relieve the pressure inside her head. She is the last survivor of the attack to go home, with the shooting leaving two students dead and 30 injured overall.
Sporting a backwards hat and a smile, Sophia rode in a limousine and was given a police escort along with paramedics from Hennepin County Medical Center, who joined in the procession. According to reporting by FOX 9-KMSP, she was greeted by a crowd of people outside of the hospital holding signs saying, "Sophia Strong," with many offering her hugs and words of support in an emotional atmosphere.
Just last month, Dr. Walt Galicich warned that Sophia may be "the third fatality in this event." Early on in Sophia's recovery, he told reporters, “If you had told me at this juncture, 10 days later, that we’d be standing here with any ray of hope, I would have said it would take a miracle."
Today, he was one of the individuals who was emotional in congratulating her upon her release.
Sophia Forchas hugs her surgeon, Dr. Walt Galicich, as her father, Tom, stands to the side. Photo: FOX 9 - KMSP.
Sophia's parents, Amy and Tom, have been consistent in asking for prayers during their daughter's recovery process. Last month, they gave an update in which they said that supporters' prayers "are working."
Upon the news of Sophia's release, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago posted, "She's coming home! Glory to God! Thank you for your prayers — God heard all of them!"
Today marks the feast of St. James, Brother of our Lord, for those on the New Calendar.
"Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."
- James 5:16
Previously, UOJ reported that Pat. Bartholomew spoke with the Forchas family during his visit to the U.S.
