x
Breaking News
More () »

'We pray for the peace of their families': Atlanta Tamil Church remembers lives lost in Sri Lanka

During Sunday morning's service, the Atlanta Tamil Church prayed for those affected by the Sri Lanka blasts.

Congregations around the world are taking a moment to remember the lives lost in Sri Lanka. More than 200 people were killed in the Easter Sunday explosions and hundreds more were injured.

At the Atlanta Tamil Church, Pastor Palmer Paramadhas prayed for the victims of the blasts.

"They lost their life and we pray for the peace of their families," he said during prayer time. "Lord we pray for all the people."

The Atlanta Tamil Church has a mixed congregation with people from India and Sri Lanka. Tamil is a language spoken in many countries.

"We have so many people from Sri Lanka, those who joined in 2010," Rev. Paramadhas told 11Alive. "We are so sad to listen to hear to read that bomb blasts that's gone up in Sri Lanka, and especially we understand that they have targeted churches on this Resurrection Sunday. The Lord, Jesus Christ came to give peace and to all the people of this world."  

RELATED: Explosions kill more than 200 in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday

The explosions at three churches and three hotels collapsed ceilings and blew out windows, killing worshipers and guests. People were seen carrying the wounded out of blood-spattered pews. Witnesses described powerful explosions, followed by scenes of smoke, blood, broken glass, alarms going off and victims screaming. 

The three hotels and one of the churches, St. Anthony's Shrine, are frequented by foreign tourists. Sri Lanka's Foreign Ministry said the bodies of at least 27 foreigners were recovered and included people from Britain, the U.S., India, Portugal, and Turkey. China's Communist Party newspaper said two Chinese were killed. Authorities said several suspects have been arrested.

Rev. Paramadhas said it was hard for him to find the words to speak on Sunday from the pulpit.

"My heart was really grieving," he said. "I didn't know how to pray, because when you are in such conditions, you don't get words to pray, you only cry."

However, he found the strength he needed to encourage others. 

"Lord I pray that they should all be comforted Lord, and their families be comforted, Lord. And in the investigation, whatever is going on, they should find the real culprits, and they should make sure that this doesn't happen anymore," Paramadhas said during the prayer. 

RELATED: 'We are safe, but obviously concerned': Metro Atlanta man in Sri Lanka as blasts erupt

He hopes the communities come together after the tragedy.

"He created everybody as human beings, so we have to love each other and we have to be in harmony with everyone."

Before You Leave, Check This Out