July 25, 2016

Beloved in the Lord,

 “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer;
I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33

It is with a sorrowful heart that I greet you today in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Like each of you, I grieved to learn about the tragedy that took place in Ft. Myers, Florida. Let us join together and extend our deepest and most heartfelt prayers to the parents, families and friends of the people who were killed. Together, I pray that our Lord bestow us with hope and strength to minister and support our grieving brothers and sisters.

In the face of such terrible events, we may feel confused and angry: why do such horrible things continue to occur, and with such frequency? My beloved, all I can suggest, in my own humble way, is that we heed the words of our Lord and encourage others to reflect on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, with its eternal message of love, forgiveness and peace.

While we may not be personally affected, the families and friends of the fallen remain in our thoughts and prayers.  May our loving and merciful Father comfort and strengthen them during this difficult time and as they face the future without their loved ones.

May their memories be eternal!

+ALEXIOS
Metropolitan of Atlanta