Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago has issued a heartfelt statement following the tragic shooting of Chicago Police Officer John Bartholomew, urging prayer, unity, and spiritual resilience in the face of violence.
Reflecting on the deeper spiritual dimension of such tragedies, the Metropolitan stated: “Scripture teaches us that our deepest struggle as Christians is not merely against our visible trials, but against a darkness that emerges without warning to wound, divide, and harden the human heart.” He emphasized that, especially in moments when such darkness threatens to overwhelm society, believers are called to remain steadfast in faith.
The statement comes after the fatal shooting of Officer Bartholomew, who was killed while on duty at a hospital near St. Demetrios Church in Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood. Another officer was critically injured in the same incident and remains in critical condition. Metropolitan Nathanael expressed deep sorrow, noting: “With heavy hearts, we mourn the loss of Chicago Police Officer John Bartholomew… We also hold in our prayers another officer who was critically wounded and continues to fight for his life.”
Acknowledging the emotional toll of such violence, he warned against despair: “The weight of this violence can leave us grieving and fearful, tempting us toward despair. Yet, we must not allow our hearts to grow indifferent or lose hope.” Instead, he encouraged turning to faith as a source of strength: “In these moments, we turn to God—not to withdraw from the world, but to find the strength to meet it with prayer, compassion, and courage.”
In response to the tragedy, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago announced plans to organize a prayer service in the coming days, open to all who wish to honor the victims and support those affected. The Metropolitan also encouraged acts of solidarity, including donations to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation.
Concluding his message, Metropolitan Nathanael offered prayers for the victims and the wider community: “We offer our prayers for the peaceful rest of Officer Bartholomew’s soul, for the swift recovery of the injured, and for the comfort of their families and loved ones… We also pray for our city, that the Lord may sow seeds of reconciliation in times of hostility, bring healing to those suffering, and illuminate our hearts amid uncertainty.”
Source: chicago.goarch.org
