ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — It’s been one month since Matt Marino was stabbed in the chest while waiting for breakfast in St. Augustine.
The Trinity Parish priest was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries and spent nearly a week in the ICU after he almost died in an unprovoked attack on Oct. 23.
On Sunday, Marino shared his first sermon with Trinity Parish following his near-death experience.
His first sermon after almost being killed started with a joke.
“Last fall we visited Portugal, this fall we visited the ICU in Jacksonville,” Marino said from the pulpit at Trinity Parish.
Stabbed in a random and unprovoked attack, Marino is living proof of his belief.
“In this life, there are no guarantees,” said Marino.
A man who devoted his life to his faith is alive after a severed pulmonary artery and the slimmest chance of survival.
“Here’s the first sermon after the stabbing, I don’t know why God let me be out on that street,” said Marino. "We often want to know why we’re suffering, many of our trials are not for us, but to prepare us to help others. This is the world, beautiful and terrible things happen. Do not be afraid.”
One month after laying on the street, losing half his blood from a stab wound, Marino remains comforted by his faith and his community.
“The church, the city, friends around the country, literally international support has poured out,” said Marino. "We've had 12 pastors of other denominations reach out, it’s just been a phenomenal outpouring of support.”
Arieana Gibbs is currently being held in the St. Johns County Jail without bond accused of second-degree attempted murder. She has pleaded not guilty and her next court date is Dec. 2.
Our full interview with Marino where he describes the moment that he was stabbed and the medical care that saved his life can be watched below: