The small town of Yarnell, just outside of Prescott, Arizona was virtually consumed by a ravaging fire on Sunday, June 30, 2013. Fueled by the dry desert brush and the seasonal winds, some of the finest firefighters who are specially trained to combat these fires became trapped, with 19 of them losing their lives. They were members of the elite Granite Mountain Interagency Hotshot crew. Rescue efforts were attempted but the fire quickly raged out of control and these brave men, fighting to save the lands and lives of others, made the ultimate sacrifice for their community.

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco grieves with all those who have suffered this devastating loss. Many parishioners in the nearby parish of Saint George in Prescott, Arizona have lost friends, nearly half the town of Yarnell has been destroyed, and the fire has not yet completed its unfortunate path of destruction. One of the firefighters who died was the brother of one of the Saint George parishioners.

“Though these devastating fires have resulted in such tragic loss, we must remember that the strength of God’s love during these times of great need, for He will provide comfort, strength and peace to all those who are suffering,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. “It is our fervent prayer that the Lord’s mighty hand may calm the winds, bringing this fire under control, and sparing any more death and destruction.”

In response to the needs of the community, the Saint George Greek Orthodox Church located at 609 W. Gurley Street in Prescott, AZ, will open its doors for quiet contemplation and prayer beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 1. The entire community is asked to join in prayer with parish priest Rev. Father Apostolos Hill at a Paraklesis and Memorial Service to be held at the church at 5:00 p.m.