Minnesota mourners in prayer, together

The mourners came from all faiths and backgrounds, gathering Sunday night against the backdrop of stained glass as they bowed their heads to pay tribute to the victims of the bridge that fell from the sky.

Standing before the congregation of Muslims, Christians, Hindus and Jews, the Rev. Peg Chemberlin, executive director of the Minnesota Council of Churches, said: “It’s important that we stand together and say, ‘Minnesota, your heart is full of courage and compassion.’ ”

It was a time of sorrow and hope in the Twin Cities, four days after the Interstate 35W bridge fell, killing five and injuring nearly 100. By Sunday morning, hundreds had gathered at church services across the region seeking community prayer, comfort and hope.

As the sun went down, about 1,400 people -- including relatives of the dead, public officials and members of the disaster response -- gathered at St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral for an interfaith service.

Many people who filled the wooden benches did not know the victims but felt compelled to attend.

“It’s just something that happened in my city,” said schoolteacher Kim Ellison, 43. “I’ve been concerned about my neighbors.”

Throughout the day, thousands of onlookers tried for the first time to get a decent view of the wreckage, streaming across the Stone Arch Bridge on foot and bicycle. Authorities reopened the pedestrian bridge crossing the Mississippi River, which had been closed since the accident. Some brought binoculars and cameras. Visitors left sunflowers, pink roses and signs that read: “God bless the fallen we [heart] Minneapolis.”

People could smell the gasoline in the river and make out the crumpled metal and concrete carcass of the bridge.

At least eight people were still missing Sunday, including Vera Peck and her son, Richard Chit, who had Down syndrome; Scott Sathers, 29, who worked at Capella University, an online school; Greg Jolstad, 45, a construction worker who was working on the bridge; Peter Hausmann, 47, a computer security specialist and former missionary; and Sadiya Sahal, 23, a pregnant nursing student who emigrated from Somalia, and her 2-year-old daughter, Hanah.

At St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church on Sunday morning, worshipers traced the sign of the cross on their bodies. Beneath the yellow glow of chandelier lights, they prayed for the victims, families and rescue workers.

The priest, draped in a gold robe, stood against the blue, brick setting behind the pulpit. He spoke to his congregation about its missing parishioner, Christina Sacorafas, in present tense.

“Christina is a vibrant personality,” Father Paul Paris said during his sermon. “You would recognize her right away through the radiance of her smile.”

In the pews, a friend of the missing woman held a framed picture close to his chest. He kept a single rose next to his knee, and wept.

The last time anyone heard from Sacorafas, 45, was before the bridge collapsed Wednesday evening. She called a friend to tell her she was running late for the children’s Greek folk dancing class she taught at the church.

“Until this time, she is still missing,” Paris told theworshipers. “We are holding out hope.”

Sacorafas had recently moved to Minnesota from San Diego. She helped start the dance class with two other church members. Paris said she loved children, and at the time of the collapse her car was filled with costumes she had sewn for them.

Irene Tsengas, a church member who was the last to speak to Sacorafas on Wednesday, said they first met at church a year ago. Both had newly relocated to the area, and they became close friends.

“It hurts. It really hurts,” Tsengas said. “I can’t accept that.”

She wondered whether things would have ended up differently if they talked on the phone just several minutes longer. Would Sacorafas have missed the collapse? Would she have been in a less treacherous spot on the bridge? Would she be at church today?

“That,” Tsengas said, “is what makes it so hard.”

Throughout the service, friends and parishioners offered Tsengas and other friends of Sacorafas hugs and support.

“The thing that is so powerful about the story that is gripping national and worldwide attention is the outpouring of love and faith from people of all walks of life,” Paris said.

“A bridge collapsed in Minneapolis-St. Paul this week, but a stronger bridge is already forming.”

erika.hayasaki@latimes.com

garrett.therolf@latimes.com