Archbishop of Australia condemns Terrorist Attack on Greek Orthodox Church in Jordan

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia has condemned the terrorist attack on the Church of Saint George in Hmoud, in Jordan’s Karak Governorate, during which at least seven people were killed and dozens were injured.

In a statement, His Eminence noted, among other things, that “it is inconceivable that innocent souls should depart this earthly life prematurely and in such tragic circumstances because of religious fanaticism, intolerance and indiscriminate violence.” At the same time, he expressed his solidarity with His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem and the Orthodox Christians of Jordan.

The full statement of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia follows:

“The heinous attack that claimed numerous lives at the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George in Jordan has caused profound sorrow and outrage.

“It is inconceivable that people who come to a place of worship and prayer should become targets of terrorist acts. It is equally inconceivable that innocent souls should depart this earthly life prematurely and in such tragic circumstances because of religious fanaticism, intolerance and indiscriminate violence. And it is utterly inconceivable that the sanctity of human life should be so brutally violated in the name of Him who grants us life…

“I join my voice with all those condemning this abhorrent act, and I pray for the repose of the souls of the innocent victims, for divine strength and consolation for their grieving relatives and loved ones, and for the swift recovery of those who have been injured.

“Furthermore, on behalf of our Holy Eparchial Synod and the entire faithful of our Holy Archdiocese, I express my wholehearted solidarity with His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem and with our Orthodox brothers and sisters in Jordan and throughout the wider Middle East.

“May the blood of our innocent brothers and sisters who were killed in the Church of Saint George be the last to be shed because of religious hatred, and may their sacrifice lead to more decisive steps towards safeguarding peaceful coexistence and protecting Christian communities in the region.”