April 15, 2013
Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston
A Day of Tragedy - A Call to Prayer
To the Reverend Clergy and Faithful Stewards of the Metropolis of Boston
Brethren,
We are all shocked with today's terrorist attack at the Boston Marathon. Once again, evil reared its ugly head and countless of our fellow citizens have been victimized. Our prayers and thoughts are with the victims and their families, as well as our governor, mayor, and police officials. We stand by our law enforcement agencies and all the heroic first responders as they begin the process of fully investigating this act of terrorism, and bring to justice those responsible.
Today is Patriot's Day during which we remember the heroes of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, and the first battles of the American Revolutionary War. Annually on this day, the historic Boston Marathon takes place as a long-standing tradition which brings together diverse people from across our community, the nation, and around the world, to celebrate the virtues of hard work and perseverance in one of the world's most well-known sporting events. Let us not be deterred by this cowardly act of hatred, but stand united in the exercise of freedom and justice, as we pray for peace and love to reign in our society.
I ask our parishes throughout the Metropolis to offer prayers for the repose of the souls of those who tragically lost their lives today, and to pray for the healing of all those who were injured. May the God of Peace and Mercy bring His peace upon our community. I pray that you and your loved ones are safe and secure. We will continue to stay in touch as further details on this evolving tragedy emerge.
With Archpastoral Love,
+ Metropolitan Methodios
[His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios has requested the immediate mobilization of the IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities) Frontliners--the Emergency First Responders of the IOCC--to be dispatched to assist at the several Boston crisis counseling centers being set up over night. Four IOCC Frontliners (professionally trained counselors and clergy for emergency response) have been mobilized and will travel to Boston tomorrow to begin offering assistance to the local emergency care centers set up throughout the city of Boston. Metropolitan Methodios has been in direct contact with the Mayor's office and has offered the full support of the Greek Orthodox community of New England. His Eminence also has been in contact with Dean Triantafilou, Executive Director of the IOCC, to coordinate the emergency response.
The Metropolitan asks all clergy of the Metropolis to be available at their local parishes to allow all people access to our churches for prayer and pastoral counseling. His Eminence encourages the faithful to assist in the emergency response by donating blood at the local Red Cross donation centers throughout the region.
The full resources of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston are being made available to assist both local authorities and all those in need.
May our loving Lord extend his hand upon all those effected by today's tragedy. May He rest in eternal peace the 3 individuals who tragically lost their lives in this senseless act of hatred. May He extend His healing hand upon the over 150 people who were injured and find themselves in hospitals at this hour. May His love and peace embrace all humanity. May the Light of His glorious Resurrection that we anxiously await to receive anew in a few short weeks, enlighten the dark recesses of this world and illumine those who sit in darkness.
Our prayers are with the families of today's victims.]