A message of support to those affected by the devastating floods in northern Queensland has been issued by Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
In addition, the Archbishop expresses the support of the Holy Archdiocese and his personal support for the personnel and staff of the relevant State Emergency Services. He invites everyone to pray for the protection and comfort of those who are going through these difficult times of trial.
Read below the full message of Archbishop Makarios of Australia
Dear Children,
It is with deep sadness that we see thousands of our fellow human beings facing tremendous hardship, some tragically losing their lives, as a result of the recent catastrophic floods that have struck northern Queensland, particularly in the areas of Townsville, Ingham, Hinchinbrook, Innisfail and Cairns. Sadly, disasters such as these, which are common in our country, threaten both homes and infrastructure and, most importantly, human lives.
In these difficult and critical circumstances, our thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with our brothers and sisters who have been affected by the devastating effects of the floods. I would like to express the unwavering support of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia and my personal support to the personnel and staff of the relevant state emergency services. I also encourage everyone to carefully follow the instructions and guidance that have been issued.
I would like to extend my sincere paternal prayers to His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane, the clergy, the faithful of our local Church in Queensland and our brothers and sisters who are at the centre of this process. I assure them that our Holy Archdiocese remains firmly at their side, supporting them in their efforts to recover from this calamity. I earnestly encourage them to remain steadfast in their faith in God, confident that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
Finally, I ask everyone to pray to our merciful and all-good God for the protection and strengthening of our brothers and sisters.
I impart my fatherly blessing to all and pray that our Lord Jesus Christ, through the intercession of our Most Holy Theotokos, His Blessed Mother, will protect and comfort all those who are going through these difficult times of trial.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
