Sydney, Australia, December 15, 2025
Photo: romfea.gr
Archbishop Makarios of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia has issued a statement condemning the terrorist attack that occurred in the Bondi area of Sydney yesterday.
According to initial reports, the attack resulted in 12 deaths and at least 29 injuries. The incident took place during a gathering of hundreds of Jews celebrating the first day of Hanukkah, when at least two armed individuals opened fire on crowds at the beach. Police have designated the incident as a terrorist attack.
In his statement, Archbishop Makarios expressed his profound grief over the attack and emphasized that any action violating the sanctity of human life is condemnable, especially when it undermines the peaceful coexistence that represents a fundamental achievement of Australian society.
Speaking on behalf of the Holy Eparchial Synod and the entire body of the Holy Archdiocese, he offered prayers for the victims and expressed solidarity with the bereaved families and the Jewish community.
Full statement of Archbishop Makarios of Australia:
I express my profound grief over the mass-casualty terrorist attack in Sydney, which occurred during a gathering for the Jewish feast of Hanukkah.
Every act that violates the sanctity of human life is reprehensible, even more so when it undermines our peaceful coexistence, which constitutes a fundamental achievement of Australian society. We are all obliged to struggle resolutely against every form of intolerance, fanaticism, and violence, and to proclaim unequivocally that whoever kills while invoking God does not serve their faith but betrays it. There can be no sanctity in murder.
On behalf of the Holy Eparchial Synod and the plenitude of the faithful of our Holy Archdiocese, I unequivocally condemn the heinous crime perpetrated today in Sydney; I pray for the repose of the souls of the victims; and express our unwavering solidarity with their grieving families and loved ones, as well as with the entire Jewish Community. Our thoughts are also with those who have been injured and are receiving medical care, to whom we offer our heartfelt wishes for a swift and full recovery.
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