Prayers Requested for Victims of Southern California Wildfires

September 2, 2009

 

Several areas in Southern California have been affected by wildfires which have caused the destruction of homes, businesses, loss of life, and thousands of acres of land.  These fires are still threatening many areas, with officials estimating it could be two weeks before these massive fires are contained.

At the present time, the Metropolis of San Francisco is not aware of any imminent danger to our parishes and parishioners in Southern California. However, as fires can be extremely unpredictable, we must continue to pray for calm winds and cooperative weather so that these fires may be contained and the damage and destruction diminished.

Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco states, "We are living in a very fragile world, and these fires remind us how quickly our safety and stability can change. Just as we did last week for our brothers in sisters in Greece, I once again ask that you offer special prayers for those affected by the fires in California. I am also requesting that a special tray be passed, with funds designated for the 2009 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 and for the firefighters, 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, September 6, 2009:

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

Lord, Jesus Christ, who calms the heart and brings 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. Lord, we also ask that You grant 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, 2009 California Wildfires, 245 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA 94103.