The Holy Synod of Bishops of our Church has requested all parishes to remember the victims of the ongoing disasters in Japan, and to request financial aid for relief efforts there. Additionally, the OCA’s Metropolitan Council has earmarked an initial $5,000 contribution to the work of the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC). All parishes have been requested to aid the IOCC in its work. Collections towards the IOCC’s relief efforts will be taken up at St. Andrew’s during the next two weeks – the funds of which will go directly to the IOCC’s Japan Relief fund. You may read more about the IOCC’s request for aid here.
Although our aid and generosity should be given freely to anyone who is suffering, regardless of race or religion, it is important to note that the Orthodox Church of Japan is a sizable community, with 20 parishes in the affected areas. Currently, one Japanese Orthodox priest is among the many missing victims of the disaster. (Update: Fr. Taguchi and his wife have been located, although their parish and rectory were flooded by the tsunami.)
May our Lord grant peace and healing to all those who are afflicted and suffering. May the souls of those whose lives have been lost find rest in a place of peace, where all sickness, suffering, and sighing have fled away — and may their memories be eternal!
Image: Shiho Fukada (International Herald Tribune) reposted under fair use (non-profit/educational).