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Published
by the Greek Orthodox
Archdiocese of America, August 18, 2004
Encyclical of
Archbishop Demetrios for the Florida Hurricane
Victims
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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