Dear Metropolis of Atlanta Faithful,

This morning we awoke to learn an earthquake of 7.9 magnitude struck off the coast of Alaska at 9.30am GMT. The quake triggered tsunami alerts along the whole US West Coast. Residents living near the epicentre were woken by warning sirens. Locals in towns like Kodiak were urged to flee their homes and head for higher ground at least 100 ft. above sea level. A buoy out at sea near the epicentre detected a 32 ft. wave soon after the tremor. Tsunami watches for British Columbia in Canada, along with Washington, Oregon, California and Hawaii have been cancelled. The tsunami warning was  later cancelled, allowing people to return home from shelters. There were no immediate reports of damage.

I received the update below from Fr. David Rucker of our Orthodox Christian Mission Center clergy. I thank Fr. David for sharing that he and those in Kodiak, Alaska are safe. I hope you will read his email. In turn, I feel it important for us to be aware of those who felt the earthquake and to pray for God’s mercy and their protection. On behalf of His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios who is in the Holy Land and is praying for all those affected, I ask our clergy and parishioners to offer the following prayer. We know that through the power of prayer and God’s mercy those who are anxious and uncertain may find peace and comfort.

Almighty Lord, You Who are most merciful and compassionate, we beseech You to calm the earth and waters and bring peace and healing to all those who are suffering from today’s earthquake off the coast of Alaska. Grant them Your strength to endure and overcome hardships they may face. May You stretch forth Your mighty hand upon their families, their homes and homeland. You, O Lord, are the calm of every storm and You are the Hope for all those who call upon Your name, and to You we ascribe glory, together with Your eternal Father, and Your All-Holy, Good, and Life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Faithfully yours,

+Fr. George Tsahakis
Chancellor
 

Read Update from Fr. David Rucker
of Orthodox Christian Mission Center