Statement of Archbishop Benjamin on Wildfires in Western US
The news from the West has been practically apocalyptic of late with wildfires throughout the West, especially in California, Southern Oregon and Washington State. I am presently aware that several families have lost everything to these fires and others are threatened. Not only that, whole towns have gone up in flames affecting the lives of many with loss of homes and jobs. Yesterday the skies in San Francisco were dark orange - so dark that the streetlamps were still lit at noon. Thankfully, while threatened, no churches have been lost.
Fr. Matthew Tate of the Annunciation Orthodox Church, Milwaukie, OR wrote:
“Seven families are in the Red Zone (leave now) and have evacuated. At least two of the homes are likely to burn. The others are in the path of one of the fires.
Most of us are either in the Yellow (get ready now) or Green (be prepared to leave) Zones. This includes the whole area around the church property. The winds have abated but the fires are very active and close. From my office window I cannot see beyond about 100 feet due to smoke. It is eerie and worrisome for everyone.”
Fr. Andreas Blom, who lives in Talent, OR was evacuated with his family yesterday. There was really concern his home and church were lost to the flames. He was able to return home today to pick up a few things and found everything across the street from his house was totally lost to the fire. His home and the church have survived so far. At this writing, three families from his mission were burnt out though.
First of all, we ask for your prayers for everyone, Orthodox and non-Orthodox who have experienced loss. Secondly, should you wish to send a donation, checks may be made out to:
Diocese of the West
and sent to:
Fire Fund
c/o Archangel Gabriel Mission
PO Box 823
Ashland, OR 97520
Donations will be used to help not only our own parishioners, but also our neighbors in this time of crisis.
We thank you in advance.
+Benjamin
Archbishop of San Francisco and the West