PHOTO CREDIT: Orange County Register
Once again the west coast is being ravaged by fires, this time affecting the Orange County, in southern California. The Silverado Fire in Irvine and the Blue Ridge Fire in Yorba Linda have already caused widespread devastation with very little containment. Parishioners from the communities of Saint Paul in Irvine, Saint John the Baptist in Anaheim, Saint Nectarios in Covina, and Saint Basil in San Juan Capistrano have evacuated to hotels or are safely with relatives while they await news of their property.
“I ask all our faithful to remain fervent in prayer for the safekeeping of these families and all of God’s creation which are threatened by these fires. The landscape of our beautiful nation is in peril, along with the homes and livelihoods of countless people who have been evacuated and are praying that they will have a home which they can return to,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos. “The Metropolis of San Francisco stands ready to assist these families during this time of great need, and we are grateful to all those who have generously supported our Fire Relief Fund so that we can be timely in responding during these unforeseen tragedies.”
Saint Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Irvine has been evacuated due to fires in the surrounding region. The area they had previously set up for outdoor Divine Liturgy has sustained significant damage, but the church does not appear to be imminent danger. The air quality in the Orange County region and in neighboring Los Angeles County is extremely poor, with dark skies and falling ash covering buildings, homes and cars. Because of the high winds, flying embers are visible and are a great threat to the spreading of these fires.
The winds are forecasted to minimize this evening, which firefighters hope will bring needed relief to this area and a greater chance of containment. Updates will be provided by the Metropolis of San Francisco as they become available. Donations to the Metropolis Fire Relief Fund can be made securely online.