Minneapolis, August 29, 2025
apnews.com
A gunman opened fire through the windows of Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis on Wednesday morning during a Mass marking the first week of school, killing two children ages 8 and 10 and injuring 17 others. The shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene.
In response to the tragedy, Orthodox Christian leaders in the Chicago area issued statements of condolence and calls for action.
Archbishop Daniel of the Orthodox Church in America’s Diocese of Chicago and the Midwest addressed the clergy and faithful of St. Mary Cathedral in Minneapolis, expressing shock and grief at the attack that occurred while students were worshiping. The Archbishop acknowledged that while prayers are important, Christians must also actively work to bring an end to evil and violence.
Metropolitan Nathanael of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese’s Metropolis of Chicago offered his statement while celebrating Divine Liturgy at St. Mary’s in Minneapolis, just a short distance from where the shooting occurred. He noted the painful familiarity of such tragedies and urged the Orthodox community not to surrender to despair despite the repetition of violence.
Archbishop Daniel’s Statement:
To the Clergy and Faithful of Saint Mary Cathedral, Minneapolis
Beloved in Christ,
I have just learned of the tragic shooting which took place at Annunciation Catholic School, Minneapolis, earlier this morning. Like you and with you, I am shocked and grieved.
At this moment, it is reported that two young and innocent souls have lost their lives and more than a dozen others, both children and adults, are being treated for their injuries, some of which are life-threatening.
This heinous attack took place while the students at Annunciation Catholic School were gathered in Church, celebrating the Holy Eucharist with their clergy, teachers, families, and fellow students. One cannot think of a more holy or safer place to be than in church, surrounded by the people who love you. Nor can we think of a more sacred action to be participating in than offering prayers of thanksgiving to Almighty God. And yet, evil itself entered that sacred and holy moment and tragically took two lives and devastated countless others.
Please know that I am with you today as I join you in offering prayers for all the victims. Many in the media are already invoking a quote we have heard too many times before: “sending thoughts and prayers.” However, many are also acknowledging that these words have long ago lost their sincerity or their ability to bring comfort. Yes, we pray, invoking God’s mercy upon the world. However, today as I join you in prayer in the wake of this horrendous tragedy, I also acknowledge that we must do something more than pray. As Christians sent into the world by Christ Himself, let us recognize that Christ sends us to actively work to bring an end to all that is evil so that we, as children of God, may live together in the peace that comes only from Christ.
Lord, have mercy!
Metropolitan Nathanael’s Statement:
As I gather today with my clergy brethren to celebrate the Divine Liturgy at St. Mary’s in Minneapolis—just a short distance from Annunciation Catholic School—my heart aches for our Catholic brothers and sisters. We are heartbroken by early reports that two children were killed and 17 others, including 14 students, were wounded when a gunman shattered the sanctuary of their church before taking his own life.
This tragedy bears a cruel familiarity, for only months ago, I offered similar words of mourning for different victims in this same city. My beloved, we cannot—must not—surrender to despair, even when violence assails us with such inexplicable repetition.
As Orthodox Christians, we stand in solidarity with our Catholic family. We offer prayers for the departed, healing for the wounded, and consolation for all who mourn. As we weep tears of sorrow, let us respond to this act of evil by embracing Christ more firmly, accepting the eternal truth that He alone is our only salvation and our only peace.
May the memory of the victims be eternal.
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