Statement on Canadian Attacks

As someone born in Ontario, raised in Manitoba but living in Alberta, it isn’t hard to notice that there are many times where we as Canadians identify ourselves in smaller groups- we are from the West, or from Quebec, the Prairies or the Maritimes and so forth.

Yet, without fail, when we face difficult circumstances, we are all without question, and with great pride, Canadian.

The last few days have been and will continue to be, especially as we seek to understand these evil attacks, one of those times.

The sudden shattering of familiarity, security, and a sense of separation from the problems of the world in the headlines, is a jarring and disorientating event- especially when that sense of security is shattered by the death of of good people who vowed to uphold, sustain and protect the Canada we all share- be it Ontario, Manitoba or Alberta.

Yet while a sense of peace in Canada may have been broken, the people who call it home, cannot be.

The Apostolic Johannite Church offers its prayers and thoughts for Nathan Cirillo and Patrice Vincent, their families and friends, and for all those hurt and scared by these evil and senseless attacks.

We also offer our prayers and thoughts for the safety and well-being of all those who serve in uniform, likewise vowed to uphold the same Canada for which Nathan and Patrice gave their lives.

Iohannes IV
Sovereign Pontiff and Patriarch of the Apostolic Johannite Church
and Bishop of Alberta