Prayers requested for Balkan flood victims

IOCC Balkans
Elderly residents of the Serbian town of Obrenovac are evacuated from their flooded homes. Rising waters from historic flooding in Serbia and Bosnia have left entire towns submerged in water and accessible only by boat. IOCC is on the ground in Serbia and Bosnia working with relief partners to respond to the urgent needs of flood survivors. photo: Reuter/Marko Djurica

On behalf of the Holy Synod of Bishops, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon has called upon the faithful of the Orthodox Church in America to pray for those adversely affected by what has been described as “the worst flooding in more than 100 years” across Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The record flooding came in the aftermath of Cyclone Tamara, which hit land on May 13.  [See complete story here.]

“In addition to offering their prayers for our suffering brothers and sisters, we hope that the faithful will consider reaching out with material assistance through International Orthodox Christian Charities, which is working with relief partners in the region to respond to the urgent needs of flood survivors,” said Metropolitan Tikhon. “IOCC has had staff in place in the region for over two decades and is well positioned to offer assistance to those who have been hit the hardest.”

As the situation worsened, a personal appeal for prayers and assistance from His Holiness, Patriarch Irinej, was issued, together with a similar appeal from the Serbian Orthodox Church’s Holy Assembly of Bishops.