Bishop Ioan Casian of Canada on Thursday addressed a message of condolences and compassion following the shooting attack at a school in Tumbler Ridge, Canada.
According to The Canadian Press, 10 people were killed in Tuesday’s attack, including the sole suspect.
“We extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and to the entire community that is going through this trial. We pray that the good God may pour comfort into the hearts of those who mourn, grant strength to those left behind, and strengthen them in faith and hope,” the message said.
“This tragic event has brought much suffering and sorrow upon the local community and the bereaved families, as well as deep shock within the Romanian Orthodox community and Canadian society. A school is the place where young people go to gain knowledge, form friendships and prepare for the future and for life. For this reason, what happened in the rural community of Tumbler Ridge is all the more difficult to understand and accept,” Bishop Ioan Casian said.
The Bishop of Canada urged the Romanian community to pray for the victims of the attack.
“I call on the priests and faithful of the parishes and monasteries of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada, as well as on the entire Romanian community in Canada, to pray for those who lost their lives in this tragic incident and to stand, in thought and in spirit, with the grieving families.”
“May the Lord receive the souls of those who have departed into His light and peace, and grant the bereaved comfort, support and the strength to overcome this heavy suffering. We stand with you through prayer and with our full Christian solidarity,” the bishop said in its statement.
Photo: Basilica Files
