Metropolitan Joseph Requests Prayers for Las Vegas Victims and Families

Englewood, NJ — His Eminence Metropolitan JOSEPH sends heartfelt condolences and prayers to the families and loved ones of the victims of the horrific violence that took place in Las Vegas. His Eminence, while overseas for a meeting of the Holy Synod of Antioch, reached out to Fr. John Nicholas Ozone, pastor of Saint Michael Antiochian Orthodox Church in Las Vegas, to offer love and support. Thanks to God, Fr. John was able to report to His Eminence that none of the flock were victims of the atrocity, and that he and his parish were in constant communication with local authorities to offer their assistance if need be.

His Eminence notes: “On behalf of my brother hierarchs, our reverend clergy, and Christ-loving faithful, I ask our Lord to grant rest to the souls of those who lost their lives, healing to those who were wounded, and comfort to those who are grieving. Our hearts break at seeing such acts of evil, and we can never allow ourselves to grow accustomed to their images. We must work more and more fervently in our own lives to model Christ’s love, forgiveness, and compassion and, as St. Seraphim of Sarov taught, acquire the Holy Spirit that thousands around us will be saved – thus to do our own small part to heal the wounds of the society in which we live.”