‘Peace is worth fighting for.’ Religious leaders gather for interfaith vigil, call for world peace
An interfaith vigil was held inside the Archangels Greek Orthodox Church in Stamford on Tuesday night to show support for all those suffering from the Israel-Hamas war.
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The interfaith clergy of southwestern Connecticut hosted a prayer service at Archangels Greek Orthodox Church in Stamford on Tuesday night.
“Sad times we’re living in,” said Mary Janocha.
The power of prayer was on full display as faith and civic leaders joined together to call for peace and healing.
“We are absolutely in solidarity with suffering Israelis, suffering Palestinians, suffering people of any region anywhere in the world,” said Father Harry Pappas, of Archangels Greek Orthodox Church.
Pappas said the service wasn’t for any one particular conflict, but to pray for peace across the world.
“Any death of any innocent person is tragic,” said Rabbi Joshua Hammerman.
For the first time in 95 years, dozens of people from different religious backgrounds and walks of life gathered to pray for peace. Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons also took part -- she’s continuing to ask everyone to be kind.
Janocha said she is praying for peace and healing, as well as being able to bring people home.
The Archangels Greek Orthodox Church said a member originally came up with the idea for the event, then the Interfaith Council of Southwestern Connecticut and trusted colleagues of the Jewish, Islamic and Christian traditions helped make it possible.
“All those in government, in religious authority, in any other organization or simply on their own who wish to promote the peaceful resolution of conflict,” said Pappas.
The church holds about 300 people and Stamford police were on hand for security.
