His Eminence, Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden and All Scandinavia, upon learning of the bloody attack that took place today at noon at Campus Risbergska Skolan, a Swedish language school for immigrants in the city of Örebro, Sweden, expresses his deepest sorrow through this message. The attack claimed the lives of at least 12 of our fellow human beings, while at least 4 others have undergone surgery and are currently hospitalized.

He then contacted the Pastor of the newly established Parish of Saints Demetrios and Nestor in the city of Örebro, Reverend Economos George Arvanitidis, who informed him that, as far as he knows, none of the victims are members of the local parish. He was advised to personally support the affected families by visiting the city’s hospital ASAP.

At the same time, the Metropolitan reached out in writing to His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and to His Excellency Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson of Sweden, conveying the condolences of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to them and to all the Swedish people. He also expressed his own sympathy and that of his flock in Scandinavia, offering prayers for the repose of the souls of the victims and the restoration of health for the survivors.

The message of support from His Eminence Cleopas to the Swedish Authorities reads as follows:
“As soon as I was informed of the cowardly, inhuman, and brutal murderous attack that took place today at noon at Campus Risbergska Skolan in Örebro, which cost the lives of innocent fellow human beings and led others to be seriously wounded and hospitalized, I hasten to convey to You initially the undivided sympathy of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to You personally and through You to the peaceful Swedish people. At the same time, I would like to express my own personal sorrow and that of the flock of the Mother Church of Constantinople in Scandinavia, praying for the repose of the souls of the victims, the swift recovery of the injured, and the comfort of the families of the victims.“