Reverend Fathers, Stewards, and Friends of St. Anna Parish,
Sadly, the fires continue to rage in Southern California. Last evening, we prayed the “Akathist to the Protection of the Mother of God,” commemorating a miracle at the Blachernae church of Constantinople in the fifth century. As she is “quick to hear,” we lift our voices, asking that she also assists our fellow Californians in this moment of need. Therefore, please continue to pray (the prayer is found below), and as we identify tangible ways to express our love and support for those affected by the fires, give what you can.
I communicated with many of our priests in SoCal this morning. Unfortunately, although not unexpectedly, many of their stewards have lost homes or been displaced. With the Palisades and Eaton Fires at 0% containment, there will be more loss. In addition to offering your prayers, please consider the following:
1. Please consider donating gift cards for groceries, home improvement, and other essentials or contributing funds for gifts through the parish website, where a giving line has been set up on the Church Center App, for “Fire Relief.” We will purchase gift cards and ask our clergy in SoCal to distribute them to families in need. This method offers immediate financial support to families and has been the preferred way of giving after past disasters.
2. The Holy Metropolis of San Francisco has established a Disaster Relief Fund. Donations can be made at
3. Assemble hygiene kits for those in need. A list of items can be found at If a member of our parish is interested in coordinating this effort, we could request these items be donated in bulk and then assembled at the church. We will either send them through IOCC or a similar organization.
4. Donations are always accepted through IOCC. Learn more about their relief efforts and donate. IOCC will definitely provide financial assistance and send first responders to care for those affected by the fires.
May our Good Lord hear our common prayer through the intercessions of the Mother of God.
+fr. christopher
Prayer for Protection from Raging Fires
O Gracious God, who created the earth and everything in it, You have bestowed countless blessings upon us. Indeed, You have filled the world with immense beauty, bounty, and endless wonders!
We now ask You to save Your people from nature’s furious fires. Protect those in our state whose homes, businesses, and schools are threatened by the wildfires consuming the land.
Grant courage to those who fight the flames, as well as to first responders and all those who will assist our fellow Californians in rebuilding their lives and livelihoods after disaster strikes.
Provide strength to all survivors and peace to those in danger.
For those who have lost their lives, we ask You to grant them rest among the righteous. May their families and friends find consolation and comfort in the Holy Spirit and hope in Your Resurrection on the Third Day.
Send down abundant rain to quench the flames in our state. Just as You did for Noah of old, send the rainbow of hope. Though nature may rage, we know, O Lord, that You are a Loving God who holds in Your hands all that You have created.
We give thanks to You for all things!
Grant us humility to repent for our negligence in caring for Your Creation and give us the will to serve You more faithfully from now on.
Protect homes, monasteries, and all Your people. Throughout our lives, let us remember to honor and worship You as the Living God: Father, Son, and All-Holy Spirit. Amen.
