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March 11, 2020My brothers and sisters in Christ,
"O God Almighty, Lord of heaven and earth, and of all creation visible and invisible, in thine ineffable goodness,
look down upon thy people gathered in thy name.
Be our helper and defender in this day of affliction.
Thou knowest our weakness.
Thou hearest our cry in repentance and contrition of heart.
O Lord who lovest mankind deliver us from the impending threat of the coronavirus. Send thine angel to watch over us and protect us.
Grant health and recovery to those suffering from this virus.
Guide the hands of physicians, and preserve those who are healthy that we may continue to serve thee in peace and glorify thy most honorable and majestic name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen."
-- Prayer of Protection from the Coronavirus composed by His Grace Bishop Alexis (Trader) of Bethesda
By now, all are aware of the recent outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) throughout the world, including the United States. Our thoughts and prayers are for God's mercy upon the whole world, and especially for those affected.
Out of an abundance of caution, and for the safety and health of all, the Metropolis has therefore made the decision to postpone both this weekend's scheduled Monastic Symposium (March 13-17), as well as the Metropolis Philoptochos Retreat (March 20-22), to dates that shall be determined at a later time. (The upcoming 2020 Presidents Workshop will now be conducted by live-streaming instead of in person, next Saturday, the 21st of March.)
For those who were flying to our Diakonia Retreat Center for the Symposium, we understand that airlines are in the process of issuing refunds in light of the situation.
The circumstances of these postponements are not ideal, but I echo the words of our His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America: "Taking the basic steps of wellness as recommended by the health authorities is not only sensible, but wise and considerate of others. In truth, it is an act of love."
The season of Great Lent is one of vigilance: both spiritual, in terms of prayer, and physical, when we fast. Though this virus represents a time of uncertainty for the world, as Orthodox Christians let us instead view it as another way we can remain vigilant, caring for our bodies--the Temples of the Lord--and also for our family, friends, and neighbors.
May our Lord continue to bless the whole world: protecting us and guiding us, now and always. I remain,
Paternally yours with prayerful love in Christ
+ A L E X I O S
Metropolitan of Atlanta
