“The Austrian Orthodox Church, deeply shocked by last night’s terrorist attack, is praying for the victims and their families, as well as for the staff of the emergency services and first aid. May the Lord and God support them and give them health and strength in these difficult times”, pointed out in a statement Metropolitan Arsenios of Austria and Exarch of Hungary for the terrorist attack that took place last night in Vienna.
The perpetrators of such attacks, according to the announcement of the Austrian Diocese, 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 strengthen us to overcome fear and continue to live freely.
We want, with all our might, to protect and further transmit the values and valuable ideals of Austria. All together, with the help of God, we try to continue the path of peace and harmonious coexistence in order to overcome in this way the crisis.
Finally, Metropolitan Arsenios expressed his gratitude to all those responsible for yesterday’s immediate response to the attacks and in particular to the Government, the police forces, the rescue and first aid staff, for the immediate and effective response that prevented the worst, as well as for the unceasing and tireless efforts for the welfare and protection of the country and its inhabitants.