Warning to our Parishioners
My beloved in the Lord,

Every so often I must remind you of persons who claim to be Orthodox Priests that lay hold of your piety and generosity to further their own ambitions and ends.

There are several persons who come into the Southern California area from time to time and claim that they are Orthodox Priests of other jursidictions and come up with narratives to induce you to either help them with a personal problem or in many cases, to help them build a Church.

Recently, a "Father Nicholas" who claims to be of the Patriarchate of Alexandria has reappeared in this area. The last time we heard of him was in 2005- four years ago and has induced some of our people to donate to his "Church." In 2005 his story was to fix his car so he could return to New York or some other place, or that he was suffering from some sickness and needed funds for medicine.

These type of people are "wolves in sheep`s clothing" who prey on your willingness to help others and the kindness of your heart.

If there is any doubt in your mind about the legitimacy of anyone soliciting funds, please contact me. We have ways of ascertaining who is and who is not a canonical Orthodox Priest.