A message regarding the fires that are affecting California was sent by Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco.
In his message the Metropolitan stresses that there are over 600 fires which have consumed hundreds of thousands of acres, destroyed countless structures, and have also sadly led to loss of life.
He also mentions signs from God -the Coronavirus pandemic, the fires, and other natural disasters – “which all are sobering reminders that our focus should not be on worldly, fleeting matters. Rather, we should be reliant on God’s unconditional love and care for us as His children and creation.”
Metropolitan Gerasimos characteristically reminds that “for nearly 30 years, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has been alerting us to the dangers of environmental degradation and that we must be responsible for the world around us. This is our clarion call, my beloved brothers and sisters in the Lord, for greater stewardship and askesis – a more disciplined relationship – with the world around us.
On the afternoon of Saturday, August 22 I had the opportunity to participate virtually in the National Philoptochos Convention. Upon joining their meeting, I was truly overwhelmed to learn that over 500 delegates to the Philoptochos convention unanimously approved a $25,000 donation to assist the Metropolis of San Francisco in helping those whose homes and livelihoods have been affected by these fires. This, my beloved brothers and sisters in the Lord, is how we put our faith into action. This is how we, as Orthodox Christians, can unite and help people during these times of great need.”