September 30, 2022

To the Reverend Clergy & the Faithful of the Metropolis of Atlanta:

My Beloved Ones,

“Deliver this community and city, O Lord, and every city and town,
from famine, plague, earthquake, hurricane tornado and flood.”
(From St. Basil’s Liturgy)

I greet you in a spirit of sober reflection, but also thanksgiving, as we continue to watch the path of Hurricane Ian.

It is with gratitude to Almighty God that I am pleased to report that our parish communities in Southwestern Florida (Ft. Myers, Port Charlotte & Naples) are in regular contact with the Metropolis to report only minor damage to their churches, and no loss of life among our brothers and sisters. Truly, it is impossible not to feel God's continual presence--from the time we began to prepare, until today. Even as the storm traveled across the state and out to sea, communities in the Tampa Bay area and Orlando continually express their thankfulness to God for sparing them the worst of the damage.

Of course, such a large storm means that our thoughts and prayers now extend to our parishes in Eastern Georgia & the Carolinas, as well as our Orthodox brothers and sisters living in the state of Virginia, in the Metropolis of New Jersey. They of course, remain in our prayers, and we will be in contact with many of our Metropolis parishes as we watch the storm closely.

Mindful as we are of those who are suffering from loss of life and livelihood, I encourage all our Atlanta Philoptochos chapters to collect charitable funds this Sunday, either through the use of a tray, or a collection plate to be located in the Narthex. These proceeds should be directed to Martha Driscoll, Treasurer of the Metropolis of Atlanta Philoptochos Board.

Even though the storm has not yet fully passed, and lives are still at risk, it is a blessing to know that opportunities for worship and fellowship demonstrate the continuance of life. Last night, St. Nicholas Cathedral in Tarpon Springs offered a doxology and Divine Liturgy to express their thankfulness to God, through the intercessions of their Patron Saint (who is the protector of ships & of the seas), and this weekend the regional Young Adult Retreat will take place as scheduled at St. John the Baptist of Tampa Bay.

May we continue to offer such praises and opportunities for strengthening our faith, now, and all the days of our lives. I remain,

Paternally yours with blessings and with love in our Lord,

+ A L E X I O S
Metropolitan of Atlanta