March 24, 2020
To The Clergy,
The Esteemed Parish Council Presidents and members
The Esteemed Philoptochos Presidents and members
And All the Faithful of the Metropolis of Atlanta:
My brothers and sisters in Christ,
"O save your people, and bless your heritage;
be their shepherd, and carry them forever."
(Psalm 28:9)
I greet you with love in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! I pray that this message finds you all safe and healthy.
In these uncertain times, when news of the Coronavirus can shift from hour to hour, I am mindful of the worry and fear that many of us are feeling. For this reason, I encourage each and every one of us to practice the recommended practiced suggested by the CDC and enacted by our local governments: whether this means simply keeping the recommended six feet apart in distance, limiting our travel to only necessary places, or, in some cities, staying only in our homes.
I recognize that for many of us, staying in our homes represents a new kind of challenge, and so this note is meant to suggest some ways to pass the time, that will be spiritually fruitful.
+ A L E X I O S
Metropolitan of Atlanta