wfn.org | Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Florida Hurricane

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GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA
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Email: communications@goarch.org

Protocol 67/04
New York, August 18, 2004

To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks 
and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek 
Orthodox Communities, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the 
Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the 
entire Greek Orthodox Family in America

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I write this letter in the wake of the fatalities, heavy damage, and trauma 
caused by Hurricane Charley in Florida.  This natural disaster has affected 
entire communities throughout the state of Florida.  Even more tragic, some 
families are mourning the painful loss of loved ones as a result of the 
violent storm.

In this difficult period of aftermath, we are moved as Greek Orthodox 
Christians to remember the inspiring words of St. Paul, "weep with those 
who weep" (Romans 12:15) and "put on heartfelt compassion" (Colossians 
3:12).	We are also made painfully aware how our own Greek Orthodox 
communities have been affected by this disaster.  In Fort Myers and Port 
Charlotte, the church edifices of the Annunciation Church and Holy Trinity 
Church, respectively, sustained significant structural damage.	In Orlando 
and Daytona Beach, and in the surrounding areas also, families are facing 
significant economic stress due to the damages inflicted upon their homes 
and places of business.

As the days unfold in the aftermath of this natural disaster, it is 
becoming very clear that communities in Florida will require much 
assistance from the Federal Government and outside relief agencies in order 
to recover from the devastation.  For our Greek Orthodox communities, our 
Holy Metropolis of Atlanta has vigorously commenced the appropriate efforts 
to assist our parishes that are in need. The IOCC (International Orthodox 
Christian Charities), an organization of our SCOBA (Standing Conference of 
Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas), is also offering special 
assistance in the disaster areas of Florida.  It is important, however, 
that all of us extend our support to those who have been affected by the 
hurricane through prayer and through financial assistance.  To this end, I 
am kindly asking all our parishes across America to pass a special tray 
next Sunday, August 29, 2004.  I appeal to your hearts to give generously 
to this special collection.  Your contributions to this tray should be 
forwarded to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, and designated exclusively to 
benefit the "Florida Hurricane Victims."

I also ask that you keep the families of those who have been affected by 
this tragedy in your hearts and in your prayers, especially remembering 
those who tragically lost their lives and their loved ones, that they may 
find comfort and healing in the days ahead.  May our Lord Jesus Christ 
grant you His abiding peace and security, and may His love and mercy be 
with you always.

With paternal love in Christ,

+DEMETRIOS
Archbishop of America

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