The Archdiocese of Canada announced that the Clergy, the Councils of our Communities, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, as well as all faithful give a helping hand to those affected by the wildfires in Greece.
As mentioned in the announcement, despite the financial hardships the Archdiocese faces due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a special tray will be circulated on Sunday, August 15, at all the churches of the Archdiocese.
“The Archdiocese will itself make a donation and the entire amount will be sent to those suffering from the fires in Greece via our Ecumenical Patriarchate,” the announcement reads.
Read the full announcement issued by the Archdiocese of Canada:
August 11, 2021
Reverend Fathers, Honourable Presidents and Esteemed Members of the Boards of Directors, Honourable Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Members of the Philoptochos Societies, and the Entire Plenitude of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada
Fundraiser for the catastrophes resulting from the wildfires in Greece
Beloved in the Lord,
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you always.
I acknowledge the financial hardships that our communities are experiencing due to the Covid-19 pandemic as well as the difficulties faced by many Christians.
Our Holy Archdiocese is also experiencing financial difficulties resulting from the corona virus. Despite this, we must not remain unmoved by the scope of the unprecedented disaster brought about by the fires in Greece.
With this letter, I ask all the Reverend Clergy, the Councils of our Communities, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, as well as all pious Christians to give a helping hand to our fatherland Greece. A Special tray should be circulated this Sunday, the 15th of August at all of our Holy Churches.
Every community and every Philoptochos chapter should donate as much as they can, but we should also ask the help of all devout Christians and especially from those who are financially more able.
The full amount which will be collected, should be forwarded to our Holy Archdiocese. The Archdiocese will itself make a donation and the entire amount will be sent to those suffering from the fires in Greece via our Ecumenical Patriarchate.
I am certain that all of you will respond to this appeal of our Church for the aid towards our fatherland Greece.
I hope and pray that the Theotokos, Most-Blessed Mother of God, whose Dormition we are celebrating, protect you and intercede to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ so that He will protect us from every evil and guide us to our salvation.
Yours with fatherly love and blessings,
Archbishop Sotirios
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada
P.S. To be read at Great Vespers of Saturday August 14th and the Divine Liturgy of Sunday August 15th.
