NEW YORK – The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America expresses once again unequivocal condemnation for the horrific mass shooting of 12 innocent people including a police sergeant responding to reports of gunfire, at the Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks, California, which occurred late last night.

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, speaking to the staff and faithful attending today’s Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Synaxis of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel, at the Archdiocesan chapel of St. Paul, expressed the profound sorrow and pain of the Greek Orthodox Church for yet another evil act of hatred and murder and the unwarranted loss of precious human lives. The Archbishop also stated: “As we mourn the loss of innocent lives, we pray even more fervently today for peace. We pray that hate, violence and darkness are overcome by love, peace and light. We pray that God will guide and illuminate all of us and especially our political and civic leaders, so that we, all together in love and harmony, can heal and rebuild our broken hearts and our shattered world. We pray also for solace for the families and friends who lost their loved ones, as we stand together, in love and solidarity, with these families and the community around them.”