Chancellor’s Message Concerning Aid to Tsunami Victims

Message from Protopresbyter Robert S. Kondratick, Chancellor

January 3, 2005

Dear Fathers:

Since His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman issued his message for the beginning of the new year, in which he highlighted the tragic tsunami which hit Southeast Asia, the full extent of the devastation caused by this natural disaster in terms of human loss and suffering has been made known. Hundreds of thousands, including those native to the region as well as countless visitors—including a still unknown number of North Americans—have perished and remain missing. Lack of food and water is widespread. Entire villages have vanished, leaving many homeless and without the most basic resources.

In the spirit of His Beatitude’s message, and in the spirit of love and concern for the world’s suffering and needy, we ask that the faithful of our parishes and communities continue to pray for those directly affected by the tsunami and for divine assistance and assurance for those who survived this unprecedented natural disaster. We also ask that all parishes mount a special effort to collect funds for the ongoing relief efforts throughout the region before the end of January 2005.

The Orthodox Church in America is working in cooperation with International Orthodox Christian Charities [IOCC] in a concerted effort to assist the victims of the tsunami disaster. Donations should be sent directly to the IOCC “Asia Disaster Response,” PO Box 630225, Baltimore, MD 21263-0225. Donations may also be made online at www.iocc.org or by calling toll-free 1-877-803-IOCC (4622). When making donations, please indicate that they have been made by parishes or individuals belonging to the Orthodox Church in America.

Thank you once again for your generosity and willingness to put your faith into action in the wake of yet another tragedy of major proportion.

In Christ,

Protopresbyter Robert S. Kondratick

Chancellor, Orthodox Church in America