Central Florida parishes offer prayers in wake of Orlando shooting

Source: The Orthodox Church in America

Orlando, June 16, 2016

Fr. John Hamatie leads prayers at Orlando’s St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church. Fr. John Hamatie leads prayers at Orlando’s St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church.
    

Clergy and faithful from Central Florida gathered at Saint George Antiochian Orthodox Church in downtown Orlando on the evening of Tuesday, June 14, 2016 to pray for the victims of the tragic mass shooting that occurred two days earlier.

“I found out about the shooting from a parishioner ten minutes before Sunday’s Liturgy,” said Priest Daniel Hickman, Rector of Saint Stephen Church [OCA] in suburban Longwood. “I called Father John Hamatie, the President of our local clergy group, on Sunday afternoon to suggest the idea of a pan-Orthodox prayer service at his parish—Saint George Antiochian Orthodox Church—which is closest to where the shootings occurred. We celebrated the Canon of Supplication to the Theotokos, after which Father John offered words of encouragement and we shared a meal together.”

Despite the short notice, over 40 people attended the service.

“Everyone joined their voices in asking God to heal the wounded, show mercy on the departed, and bring peace to the city of Orlando,” Father Daniel added. “The Orthodox community of Central Florida offers its prayers for those who were killed and wounded in this hateful act of terror and for their families…. The tragic event has shown us the darkness of anger and hate, but in the Eucharist ‘we have seen the true Light,’ and we pray for that Light to shine on those who are suffering and on the city of Orlando.”

“Our community is shaken by the tragedy we have experienced,” added lay leader Ann van den Berg, a member of Saint Stephen’s. “The suffering of the victims, both dead and wounded, of their families, of the first responders, and of the community has provided us an opportunity to co-suffer with them, to help them bear their suffering as Christ has called us to do. Our prayer service is one part of this, one that can open our hearts to greater love and other opportunities to demonstrate that love.”

In addition to Fathers Daniel and John, other clergy who served included Priest Demetri Tsigas, Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Melbourne, and Priest Joshua Schooping, Saint Sophia Church [ROCOR], Kissimmee. Also in attendance was Priest Jacob Mathew, Saint Paul Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, Longwood.

Metropolitan Tikhon’s Archpastoral Letter and Public Statement on the attack are available on-line.

See also
Chick-fil-A's Famous Closed-on-Sunday Policy Defied Amid Orlando Shooting Crisis Chick-fil-A's Famous Closed-on-Sunday Policy Defied Amid Orlando Shooting Crisis Chick-fil-A's Famous Closed-on-Sunday Policy Defied Amid Orlando Shooting Crisis Chick-fil-A's Famous Closed-on-Sunday Policy Defied Amid Orlando Shooting Crisis
Several Orlando-area Chick-fil-A restaurants defied their famous closed-on-Sunday policy and opened their doors to serve the devastated community after a crazed gunman opened fire on a gay nightclub and killed 49 people and injured dozens more.
Metropolitan Tikhon (OCA) issues Archpastoral Letter, Public Statement on the Orlando shootings Metropolitan Tikhon (OCA) issues Archpastoral Letter, Public Statement on the Orlando shootings
Metropolitan Tikhon of All America and Canada
Metropolitan Tikhon (OCA) issues Archpastoral Letter, Public Statement on the Orlando shootings Metropolitan Tikhon (OCA) issues Archpastoral Letter, Public Statement on the Orlando shootings
Metropolitan Tikhon of All America and Canada
May we all take hope in the triumph of life over death offered to us in the resurrection of Christ, and as we mourn and pray for those whose lives were tragically cut short, let us commend each other and our whole life unto the Christ Who has overcome fear, has trampled down death, and has granted us eternal life and great mercy.
Amidst Devastation a Call to Prayer and Action Amidst Devastation a Call to Prayer and Action Amidst Devastation a Call to Prayer and Action Amidst Devastation a Call to Prayer and Action
We pray that the Lord’s mercy will be upon us during this time of sadness, shock and confusion. We urge the clergy and faithful of our UOC of the USA and people of good will throughout the world to turn their hearts and souls to the Great Physician, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Who consoles and guides us through suffering with mercy and tenderness. The healing power of Christ goes beyond our physical wounds but touches every level of our humanity: physical, emotional, social, spiritual.
Comments
Subdeacon Jeremy8/7/2016 4:27 pm
No, but when I visited last week from out of town, they celebrated a Panikhida service for a Roman Catholic priest, who had been murdered a few days prior, with a Roman Catholic bishop in attendance. Father John gave a brief talk following on how we should not try to missionize people who already believe in God - like Protestants, Catholics and Muslims - but should missionize only pagans. Then he asked the RC bishop to bless the meal. I find all of this odd coming from an Orthodox priest. Certainly not Traditional Orthodox practice.
Anthony6/20/2016 9:24 pm
Do they also conduct services for the victims of western funded wars and aggression in the Middle East. I certainly hope so.
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