A message to the congregation of the Holy Metropolis of Austria, on the occasion of the tragic event of the terrorist attack that took place on November 2, 2020, in the city of Vienna, was addressed by Metropolitan Arsenios of Austria.
“We express our deepest condolences and support to the innocent victims, the deceased and the wounded, of this unjustified attack. In these difficult times we stand with the families of the victims and pray for their empowerment from God. We express our warmest thanks to the Security and Immediate Aid Forces, as well as to the competent State Authorities for their immediate response to these tragic events and the prevention of more difficult situations” said Metropolitan Arsenios.
The Metropolitan of Austria condemned all forms of violence and intolerance and stressed that: “We deter any act of terrorism, threat and insult to human dignity. The perpetrators of such attacks do not follow the will of God in any case, but spread fear and disbelief and destroy the mutual trust of the people. This is exactly the phenomenon that we do not want and do not allow to happen. Our faith in God and our love for Austria and its people is encouraging us to overcome fear and continue to live freely.
Every person’s faith is respected, as is his right to perform his religious duties unhindered and freely. But faith cannot give birth to death. It cannot cultivate hatred and division. It cannot alienate and separate people, but it must cultivate mutual respect, kindness, forgiveness, and we consider, at this time, the urgent need to remain united, upright and strong. Do not allow fear to dominate within us. The message of the Gospel “Do not be afraid” is now heard louder in our ears and in our hearts! Let us not allow, my brethren, a wall of terror and anguish to be created, which will cause exclusions and autonomy for the people and will bring more suffering than any action of the people who seek to impose themselves on terrorism and to dominate at the expense of others.”
Finally he wished everyone: “Do not be afraid”! Intensify your heartfelt prayers to the True God! Turn to the Virgin Mary and our Saints in prayer and “be brave”! The Triune God has the first and the last word for the human life!”.
