New York, June 1, 2020
Photo: headtopics.com
Several Orthodox hierarchs in America have made statements in response to the tragic death of George Floyd on May 25 in Minneapolis.
The Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of America issued a statement yesterday, May 31, stating:
We, the members of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America, mourn the tragic death of Mr. George Floyd on May 25, 2020. We too have looked with horror at the footage of this episode, and condemn the brutal actions that caused his violent death. We look to the civil authorities to bring to justice those who participated in this senseless tragedy.
“We categorically reject racism in any form,” the hierarchs write, recalling that all men are created in the image and likeness of God and that we are all one in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:28). “As such, there should be no hatred, no enmity, no hostility between us, but reconciliation,” the statement reads.
While violent protests have erupted throughout the country in the wake of Floyd’s unjust death, the Synod “call[s] upon the members of the Orthodox Church in America, and to all the communities they live in, to engage in the service of righteousness and peace in the Holy Spirit. We exhort everyone to ‘pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding (Romans 14:17, 19).’”
The Synod concludes by offering prayers for George Floyd, his family, and the communities that are now being destroyed in the riots.
Archbishop Elpidophoros of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America also addressed the situation on Twitter, saying, “We must stand against racism and stand for equality for all”:
The unjust slaying of George Floyd cannot be where America stands. Violence only breeds violence, but when such violence is perpetrated by those in authority, we must all stand up and say: “Not on our watch!” We must stand against racism and stand for equality for all.
— Elpidophoros (@Elpidophoros) May 29, 2020
