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May 4, 2020May 4, 2020
To the faithful of the Metropolis of Atlanta:
My Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
Χριστός ἀ νέστη! Ἀ ληθ ῶ ς ἀ νέστη!
Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!
I greet you with love and joy in the name of our Risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Having been found worthy to once again witness our Lord’s life-giving Resurrection, I pray that you and your families are healthy and safe during this holy season.
I come to you all today with an important announcement for the life of our Metropolis. Our Diakonia Retreat Center (DRC) is a special place where we all find God’s presence, and where our lives, both young and old, are transformed as we grow in our Orthodox faith. Though I know how much we look forward to the opportunities that our DRC gives to all of us, I regret to inform you that, due to the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the DRC shall remain closed until further notice.
This careful decision was agreed upon by the DRC Board, the Executive Committee of the DRC, and our clergy, who considered not only the directives given to us by our Archdiocese and the Ecumenical Patriarchate, but also contemplated the different States orders from across our Metropolis, including that of the State of South Carolina. Of course, when the CDC and the State of South Carolina determine that it is safe to reopen such spaces, we shall comply with proper processes and procedures to ensure the safety of our faithful.
Following this, the closure of our beloved Retreat Center also means the cancellation of this year's St. Stephen's Summer Camp,which is a decision that was not made lightly.
I would like to speak now directly to our young people. Over the last months, you have seen so many changes to your life, that this decision to forego St. Stephen's is surely a disappointment. Even so, I hope you understand that this was done for the health and safety of yourselves, your families, and your peers. However, even with this precaution in place, know that your Metropolis will continue to minister to you. We are currently creating a variety of virtual opportunities that will allow you to come together with your fellow campers, counselors and clergy during summer 2020. Please continue to await further emails from the Youth Department as details are finalized.
Allow me to commend you all--grandparents, parents and children--for your continued patience and faithfulness as we navigate through these uncertain times. Continuing to pray for that day when we shall be able to gather together once more in our beloved Diakonia Retreat Center, I remain,
Paternally yours with love in the Risen Lord,
+ A L E X I O S
Metropolitan of Atlanta
