April 20, 2007

JOHNSTOWN, PA - His Eminence, Metropolitan Nicholas has issued the following statement regarding the  Catastrophic Flood Affecting the New Jersey Deanery:

April 20, 2007

TO: Diocesan Parishes

RE: Flooding in the New Jersey Deanery

Christ is Risen!

Dear Fathers and Faithful:

As you may know, storms battered the East Coast over the weekend of April 14-15. As a result, two of our parish properties in the New Jersey Deanery suffered flood damage. Protopresbyter Michael S. Rosco, Dean, has been working with pastors of both parishes, and has submitted this first-hand report.

At St. John the Baptist Church in Rahway, there was no flood damage to the church. However, nearly four feet of water accumulated in the rectory basement, and loss was limited to contents. There was no structural damage. There is insurance.

At Holy Ghost Church in Manville, there was no flood damage to the rectory or to the church proper. However, the entire church basement was flooded with some seven feet of water. Basement damage includes kitchen, rest rooms, heating and air conditioning systems, computer, tables, chairs and other miscellaneous hall contents. There is insurance; however, it is estimated that the insurance will not fully cover the extensive damage. This is the second time in six years that the parish has sustained significant flood damage.

We are appealing to our parishes to aid our brothers and sisters during this time of their loss. It is hoped that your parish will be able to make a contribution for parish flood relief through whatever means you deem most appropriate to your parish. You may send your parish gift to the Chancery, made payable to the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese. Kindly do this by May 23. Distribution of flood relief will be made by the Diocese at the end of May.

Thanking you for your charity, and with prayerful regards and blessing during this Resurrection Season, I remain

Most sincerely yours in Christ Risen,

+ METROPOLITAN NICHOLAS