Archpastoral Appeal for Disaster Relief
September 27, 2004
To the Very Reverend Protopresbyters, the Very
Reverend and Reverend Fathers, and Pious Faithful of our God-Saved Diocese:
Glory to Jesus Christ!
Dear Father and Faithful:
In the last two months, several disastrous
hurricanes have ravaged the Florida
area and the Gulf coast. Recently, Hurricane Ivan proceeded from the Gulf and
badgered the Pittsburgh
area with massive flooding.
Many thousands of people have been affected by
these grievous storms. Some have perished, many more have been injured. Still
more have suffered the loss of their homes and livelihood.
In the wake of these storms, I call upon the
faithful of this Diocese to respond to the need of those who suffer in two
ways. First, I ask you to seek out anyone whose home has been harmed by the
storms, and to offer physical aid. You might offer assistance in cleaning,
providing food, comfort and lodging.
Second, I ask each parish of the Diocese to
receive a special collection for Hurricane Disaster Relief. These funds should
be sent to the Diocesan Chancery no later than November 1st (the check should
be made payable to "ACROD," with "2004 Hurricane Relief" noted in the memo
line).
Proceeds from this collection will be sent to
disaster assistance projects in Florida and in
the Pittsburgh
areas.
It is important that we, as a Diocese,
demonstrate this compassionate ministry to our fellow Americans in this time of
great need. Please give freely and generously. In the eyes of our Lord, let us
represent our churches as those who quickly, and significantly, care for those
who suffer and are in need.
Granting you my Archpastoral blessing, and assuring
you of my constant prayers, I remain
Most sincerely
yours in Christ,
With prayerful regards, I remain
+METROPOLITAN
NICHOLAS
