Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,       June 2008

Summertime is here for all of us near costal waters. We face another Hurricane Season which has officially started June 1st. Most of us will be making plans for a few weeks of vacation so we can unwind, enjoy the family, and recoup from a busy year. However, please do not forget to make plans for another Hurricane season. Disaster preparedness is part of our lives and should not be ignored. All of us live in and around the potential areas affected by stormy weather. We will begin to hear warnings of approaching storms. The level of severity depends upon wind speed and hurricane intensities. Hurricane warnings 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 along with evacuations routes, and plans are in place to keep us safe from harm. We must obey all warnings and evacuate when the storm is bearing down on us. Time is of the essence which will allow us to escape from possible destruction and even death.

Beginning Sunday June 1st, our Chapel will add additional prayers for God to allow for calmer weather and protect us throughout the 2008 Hurricane Season. God save us and protect us from all calamity and distress. Hear our prayer Lord:

“Let not stormy waters drown Thy people, O Lord, and let it not ravage the earth utterly. But as Thou art good, do Thou direct the rushing of the water, and, as Thou art mighty, do Thou command that it become a moderate course with healthful air, O Thou Who art rich in mercies and boundless compassions, with contrite and humble hearts we pray Thee: Hearken and have mercy.”

Of course the prayer may also be added to one’s personal & family prayers.

Remember if Disaster strikes our Beloved Metropolitan ALEXIOS will prayer for us and come to our assistance. He was there for us during IVAN and KATRINA. We give thanks for his continual support. And if disaster strikes we are reminded of his famous words to us during KATRINA:

“I urge all of you to pray for our suffering brothers and sisters, not only Orthodox, but our friends, neighbors and fellow citizens. I urge all of our priests to hold a Paraklesis for the Faithful to attend so that we may pray to Almighty God for the strength and wisdom to assist the Victims of this unimaginable catastrophe.”

— His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta

We are truly blessed to have our Archbishop watching over us as a soaring eagle.

Rev. Father Frank Paul Mayernick