Beloved Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

Typhoon Haiyan has left a major path of destruction in the Philippines, with thousands injured, homeless and hungry, and a death toll that is still difficult to calculate. Sustaining winds up to 235 miles per hour, torrential rain and the storm surge has impacted the lives and livelihoods of thousands of people, some in remote areas where rescue personnel have not yet been able to reach.

We lift up our hearts in prayer for the people in the Philippines who are suffering from this tremendous catastrophe. Homes and families have been lost and generations will forever be impacted by the wrath of Typhoon Haiyan. It is during times of tragedy and natural disaster that we must come together, as brothers and sisters in Christ, to share our gifts and love for the benefit of those who are suffering. Therefore, I am asking that our parishes pass a special tray on Sunday, November 17 for the relief efforts of Typhoon Haiyan. The Metropolis of San Francisco will direct all contributions to the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) as they mobilize to respond to the needs of these people.

Checks should be made payable to the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco and all donations forwarded to: 245 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA 94103. We will send the collective support of our Metropolis to IOCC to provide for the relief efforts for the people of the Philippines who need food, clothing, shelter, and medical services.

Thanking you for your prayers and generosity and beseeching the Lord for His grace, peace and mercy upon all those who are suffering, I remain,

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