Southern California Fires Affect Clergy and Faithful in Metropolis of San Francisco

October 22, 2007

Southern California has been overwhelmed by sudden and tragic wildfires which are aggressively spreading, and are affecting clergy and laity in the Metropolis of San Francisco.  These suspicious fires have been exacerbated by the Santa Ana winds, reaching over 100 miles per hour.  As of this writing, over 265,000 people have been evacuated from their homes, including clergy and parishioners in the affected area including: Saints Constantine and Helen (Cardiff-by-the-Sea), St. Gregory of Nyssa (El Cajon), St. Paul (Irvine), Prophet Elias (San Bernardino), St. Spyridon (San Diego), and St. Nicholas (Temecula) . The Metropolis has also received word that at least one parishioner has lost their home in this tragedy.

Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco stated, "These fires are a constant reminder of the fragile nature of our world, and the exploitation of our environment.  We must especially offer our prayers and support to all those in need. Therefore, I am asking all Churches in the Metropolis of San Francisco to offer special petitions and prayers for those involved in this tragedy and their families on Sunday, October 28, 2007.  I am also requesting that a special tray be passed, with funds designated for the Southern California wildfires.  These contributions will be distributed through the Metropolis Emergency Relief Fund."

During the Great Litany, all priests are asked to please add the following petition after "For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and distress, let us pray to the Lord.":

For those affected by the fires, their safekeeping, health, and the restoration of their homes and land, let us pray to the Lord.

Prior to the Apolysis, please also offer the following prayer during Divine Liturgy on Sunday, October 28, 2007:

Let us pray to the Lord.  Lord, have mercy.

Dear Heavenly Father, who calms the heart and brings the peace that surpasses all understanding, we pray that you stretch forth your mighty hand during this hour of need.  Send down your Holy Spirit to comfort those who are suffering in mind, body and soul. Grant strength to those who are fighting these fires and calm the winds so that the damage and destruction may cease.  We also ask, Lord, that you grant good repose to those who have lost their lives in these fires, and that You extend your mercy and love to their families. For You are a merciful and loving God, and to You we give the glory, to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

All contributions collected for this purpose should be directed to the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco, Southern California Wildfires, 372 Santa Clara Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94127.  Because of the immediacy of this great need, please forward your contributions as soon as possible during the week of October 29, 2007.