The Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Los Angeles, under the auspices of His Grace Bishop Serapion, laments the news of the recent tragedy at Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopalian (AME) Church in Charleston, South Carolina in which nine innocent lives were lost.
In a message to Bishop Reginald Jackson and all the members of the AME Church, Bishop Serapion wrote,
I wish to express on behalf of the Coptic Orthodox Church my heartfelt condolences to you and especially to the families of the victims of the terrible crime at your church in South Carolina. We share your pain and sufferings and pray with you to our Heavenly Father to grant all of us His Heavenly Comfort. We carry together the Cross of serving Our Lord and continue our service to Our Lord in courage, love, and forgiveness.
The Diocese condemns this senseless violence and exhorts Her faithful to continue to pray for a world that has grown increasingly violent through the evils of hatred and intolerance.
We pray that the Lord may repose the souls of the victims and grant comfort and consolation to their loved ones and all those who were affected by this tragedy.
