Tragedy in Newtown, CT, Τραγωδία είς Νιού Τάουν, Κοννέκτικοτ ΗΠΑ

Dear People,

In view of the horrendous tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, I would like to share with you a beautiful prayer that was shared with me by a fellow priest.  All Churches and Synagogues across the country will be praying for the souls of these precious people and I will also be offering this prayer for their souls at the Three Hierarchs Greek Orthodox Church at Paideia on the UCONN campus in Storrs tomorrow.  "O Lord our God, our help and assistance, who are just and merciful, and who hears the supplications of Your people, we humbly beg of You, look down upon us sinners, and have mercy upon us, and through Your deep and abiding love for us, deliver us all from this evil that has beset us, by the senseless and evil actions which have resulted in the deaths of those innocent teachers and children tragically killed in our state at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

To those taken from us by these evil actions, rest them among the saints in a place where there is no pain, sorrow or sighing, but life everlasting.  Sustain and heal those now who have been physically harmed but live on, and bring them to full restoration and health by Your Grace.  For those families and friends of those who have been killed or injured, we beg of You O Lord, bring comfort, aid and mercy to them and deliver them from the assaults of the evil one at this time and bring them to the knowledge of Your Peace.

O Lord, while we do not understand the purpose of this tragedy, we nevertheless know in our hearts that You do allow all trials of this life so that we may learn to trust in Your Love and Complete Goodness.  Grant all of us, who stand as witnesses to these horrific actions become exceedingly aware of Your Presence,  Your All-encompassing Love, and Your True Peace.  Fill our hearts with Your Hope and inspire us to cherish, as well as defend against all violence against all persons, for all life comes from You our True Source. All of us are made in Your Holy Image, and all Life is precious. Amen."

May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ abide with each and everyone of you and grant you peace of heart, mind and soul.

+Fr. Constantine (Charles) J. Simones  USA