www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Prayer Shooting Tragedy at Virginia Tech University

Sent out by my priest to our parish's list server...

With a heavy heart and with prayer to our merciful God, I must ask you to take a moment of silence and pray for the evil act inflicted upon the young innocent people at Virginia Tech this week. Our prayers must be for the souls who were murdered and on the unspeakable suffering of their loved ones.

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Lord, remember Your servants who hope of the Resurrection. Forgive their every transgression they have committed in thought, word or deed. Grant them peace and refreshment in a place of light where Your glory delights all the Saints. For You are the resurrection, the repose and the life of Your departed servants, and to You we give glory, now and forever. Amen.

Let us pray for their loved ones who are alive:

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Almighty God, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, come to our help and deliver your servants, from this difficulty that besets them. Stand by them in their suffering. Support them in their patience. Preserve them by Your grace and shelter. Help them to face and endure this difficulty with faith, courage and wisdom. Grant that this trial may bring them closer to You, for You are our rock and refuge, our comfort and hope. We trust in Your love and compassion. Blessed is Your holy name, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit now and forevermore. Through the intercessions of the glorious Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary and of all your saints. Amen.

I received this note in regards to some of our youth who are grieving also and will be traveling there...

As some of you may already know, Reema Samaha, 18 years old was killed in the VT massacre Monday morning while in her French class. She is the daughter of Joey and Mona Samaha. She is also survived by her brother, Omar and sister, Rhonda. Her family belongs to Holy Transfiguration Melkite Greek-Catholic Church in McLean, VA. She was a member of NAMY and close friends to many of the youth of St. George, particularly my sons, Jeremy and Jacob. Joey Samaha is the nephew of A.B. George and John George and the cousin of Jamely Hall.

Please keep her and her family in your prayers. And, may I humbly ask for prayers for my sons. They are grieving heavily for their friend. Jeremy and Jacob will leave tomorrow afternoon to drive to Virginia for the funeral. Alex and James Harb will be flying out as well. Please pray that the Risen Lord spread His arms around them all and protect them.

May her memory be eternal. Annette
(Annette is Fr. Deacon Seraphim Ritchey's wife)

I saw Reema's brother on CNN last night. He is a very good looking and he seems like a nice young man. He said that the most difficult thing is seeing his parent's unfathomable pain.

Last night we had our weekly paraclisis service to the Theotokos. While Father was commemorating the names which he was given to pray for, he also prayed for those who are suffering with this great tragedy.

My prayers for this Reema's grieving family and for all their friends.

May our good Lord, in His great mercy, forgive all her sins, and bring her into His Kingdom.

May her memory be eternal.

In the Risen Christ,
Alice

Memory eternal for my young Melkite sister, Reema, a friend to my niece, and for all of the victims of this senseless tragedy, as well as prayers for their families.