The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco offers its heartfelt prayers for all those affected by the tragic school shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. We are especially mindful of the young member of the Greek Orthodox community who was among the injured in this senseless act of violence.
“There are no words to fully express the grief and sorrow in my heart, nor in the hearts of people around the world who mourn after yet another school shooting,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. “The repercussions of this heinous act will be felt for generations. Parents entrusted their children to school, and while bowing their heads in prayer, innocent lives were taken and many others gravely wounded. Yet in this time of deep pain, we must not allow ourselves to be weakened in our faith. Rather, we are called to stand together in prayer, to seek the Lord’s comfort and peace, and to embrace one another with Christian love and compassion.”
MESSAGE FROM REV. FATHER TIMOTHY SAS, PROISTAMENOS
Saint Mary Greek Orthodox Church – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We, the congregation of St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church in Minneapolis, are deeply and tearfully heartbroken at the horrifying event that occurred this morning a mere 3 miles from our church at Annunciation Catholic School. A few children from our parish are students at Annunciation Catholic School and were present during the shooting that took place. Among the 20 shooting victims, was also our wonderful Sophia Forchas, and 12-year-old 7th grader. Sophia was born and raised in our St. Mary’s parish, immersed in the life of the Church together with her extended family of several generations who are devoted members of our congregation.
I have spent a good portion of the day with Sophia’s family at Hennepin County Medical Center where Sophia went into surgery immediately as she was one of the shooting victims who had been critically injured. We prayed and comforted each other throughout the day. The first responders, both ambulance and police, were superbly prompt and attentive to facilitating the support of the family. The medical staff at HCMC along with the spiritual support chaplains were incredibly helpful in these very early and critical moments.
Currently, Sophia has passed through the difficult and long surgery but remains in a critical situation. More will be determined by the loving and caring medical staff in approximately 2 to 3 days. Please know that while I was at the hospital and as the surgery was in progressing at our church the clergy of our vicariate led by our own Metropolitan Nathanael were serving the Divine Liturgy and offering prayers of intercessions for the recovery of Sophia and all the victims.
Sophia’s family and I are truly thankful for the immediate embrace of prayers coming from literally all parts of the world. To further strengthen our intercessory prayers for good health we invite everyone to our church tomorrow Thursday, August 28, at 6:00 p.m. for a Prayer of Supplication/Paraklesis. Metropolitan Nathanael will lead all of us in offering the Paraklesis for the good health of our dear Sophia but also for all the victims and all the children and staff of Annunciation Catholic School. Everyone in our neighborhood and beyond is invited to join us for the Prayer tomorrow at 6:00 p.m.
I remain faithfully yours in Christ,
Fr. Timothy Sas
PHOTO CREDIT: Tom Baker/AFP via Getty Images