Beloved in the Lord,

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12

Though we may be physically separated from one another, we are always united by our faith. Prayer is especially important during this global health crisis. We have a unique and special opportunity as Orthodox Christians to all join in prayer on Friday, March 27, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. PST, at which all of Mount Athos will be praying a vigil dedicated to the Theotokos and Saint Haralambos for deliverance and healing from the Coronavirus pandemic. I encourage you to separate yourself from distractions and offer your personal prayers at this designated time.

We are deluged by news reports, but these must not be the focus of our attention. Rather, let us call upon the name of the Lord, as our Savior and the Healer of our world.

With Love in Christ,
+ G E R A S I M O S
Metropolitan of San Francisco