His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos visited the parish of Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Tucson, Arizona on Sunday, June 2 following a devastating fire that occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, May 29. The church and adjacent administrative, educational and social facilities incurred substantial damage. The Divine Liturgy was held in the back of the church property under a ramada, with the desert temperatures reaching over 106 degrees. Regardless of the heat, over 250 faithful were in attendance and demonstrated tremendous courage and love despite the challenges being faced by their community.
His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos (R) walks through Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Tucson, Arizona to view the devastation following a recent fire to the church facilities. He is accompanied by parish priest Fr. Demetrios-Earl Cantos, Parish Council President Chrys Lynn Kotzambasis, and parishioner Jonathan Kinkade.
“Having toured their church facilities, it brought great sadness to my heart to see the extensive damage suffered to their property. However, the spirit of resilience and unity amongst the faithful at Saint Demetrios was truly uplifting,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. “The church structure carries memories for so many generations, which they will carry in their hearts forever. I am confident this community will come together to rebuild and create new memories for the future generations so that our faith may continue to flourish in southern Arizona.”
The fire miraculously barely penetrated the Holy Altar, with only part of the Altar cloth being destroyed and limited smoke damage, observed (L) Metropolitan Gerasimos and (R) Rev. Fr. Demetrios-Earl Cantos.
Following the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos met with the faithful to offer words of encouragement and to thank the congregation for the many ways they have worked together in recent days to protect what remains of their beloved church. A luncheon for the Parish Council and ministry leadership was held at a nearby restaurant with discussions beginning with regard to the development of new church facilities in the foreseeable future.
The only facility that was not damaged in the fire was the Charles and Rose Drake Youth Center which sits in the back of the property. This will become a temporary church until plans for rebuilding can be properly developed.
The parish is grateful for the outpouring of love, support and generosity which has been extended to them from across the Archdiocese during this time of great need. Donations to assist the Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church should be directed to: Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco, MEMO: Tucson Fire Fund, 245 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA 94103.
The Kouvouklion used for Good Friday and its remaining flowers was petrified by the intense heat caused by this powerful fire.
Established in 1947, Saint Demetrios is the only Greek Orthodox Church in southern Arizona. It is a community of over 300 faithful families under the leadership of Rev. Father Demetrios-Earl Cantos. In more recent years, the parish has purchased property and has developed plans to build new and expanded facilities to meet the growing needs of the congregation.