Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden and All Scandinavia, upon hearing about the tragic attack that occurred today at noon at Campus Risbergska Skolan, a Swedish language school for immigrants in the city of Örebro, Sweden, expressed his deepest condolences in this message.
The attack resulted in the loss of at least 12 lives, with at least 4 others undergoing surgery and currently hospitalized.
He immediately contacted Reverend Economos George Arvanitidis, the Pastor of the newly established Parish of Saints Demetrios and Nestor in Örebro, who confirmed that none of the victims were members of the local parish. He was advised to offer personal support to the affected families by visiting the city’s hospital as soon as possible.
Additionally, Metropolitan Cleopas reached out in writing to His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, conveying the condolences of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and expressing sympathy on behalf of himself and his flock in Scandinavia. He offered prayers for the deceased and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.
The message to the Swedish Authorities from Metropolitan Cleopas reads as follows: “Upon learning of the horrific attack at Campus Risbergska Skolan in Örebro today, which resulted in the tragic loss of innocent lives and injuries to others, I extend the heartfelt sympathy of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to you and the people of Sweden. I also convey my personal grief and that of the Mother Church of Constantinople in Scandinavia, praying for the souls of the victims, the healing of the wounded, and the comfort of their families.”