Archbishop Elpidophoros of America had a telephone conversation with the Florida State Fire Marshal, Jimmy Patronis.
The phone call was made amid investigations to locate possible survivors in the wreckage of a 12-storey apartment building that collapsed in Miami.
However, the authorities were forced to proceed with the temporary cessation of operations, as there are fears about the stability of the building that did not collapse.
On his part, Jimmy Patronis said he was moved by the Archbishop’s phone call, saying that he asked the Archbishop to bless the efforts of the rescue teams and to pray for all the families involved in this disaster.
I was moved and honored to speak with his Eminence @Elpidophoros. I asked he bless the men and women of Florida’s Urban Search and Rescue teams and to pray for the families involved in this tragedy. May God bless us all. #Surfside pic.twitter.com/oqw2IadXN0
— Jimmy Patronis (@JimmyPatronis) June 30, 2021
Patronis had the opportunity to meet with US President Joe Biden, who traveled to Florida to support the families of the missing and to express his support for the difficult work undertaken by the fire brigade.
In a conversation with the US president, the Greek-American officer spoke of appalling images and expressed concern that many members of the rescue squad would face post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after completing their mission.