Prayers, support for tornado victims requested
In response to the extraordinary storms that have devastated regions of the southern US, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah shared the concern of the Holy Synod of Bishops, the clergy, and the faithful of the Orthodox Church in America in an April 28 letter addressed to the Diocese of the South.
“I am writing at this time to convey our fervent prayers and sincere concern for the faithful who have suffered the tragic tornadoes which have killed over 300 across six states of our Diocese of the South,” wrote Metropolitan Jonah. “We mourn the loss of life and the destruction of livelihood and property. We offer our prayers to Our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ for all those directly and indirectly affected by this extra ordinary tragedy.”
The remainder of Metropolitan Jonah’s letter reads as follows.
“Indeed we were very saddened and shocked to learn of the heavy human toll exacted by the super tornadoes that have swept across the south and east of the United States since Thursday. Yesterday a representative of my office spoke to Father Edwards of Saint Gregory’s in Moundsville. I was relieved to learn that they suffered no damage to their church building and their faithful are unharmed. Please keep me informed as to the status of our other parishes which may have found themselves in the tornado’s path.
“It is in these great times that we are called to put our faith into action and to offer in a most generous way a portion of our blessings to those who have been affected by this tragic natural disaster. May our Great God, the victor over death and destruction, strengthen all of us in this time of unimaginable tragedy so that we may, even through this tragedy continue to proclaim his resurrection and his love for mankind. May the grace of Our Risen Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you and provide the strength needed for those who have suffered loss of life and damage of livelihood.”
Donations to assist storm victims may be made to International Orthodox Christian Charities on-line at www.iocc.org, by calling 1-877-803-4622 toll-free, or by sending a check or money order payable to IOCC, PO Box 630225, Baltimore, MD 21263-0225.