Two weeks ago, the Gospel reading for that Sunday concerned our Lord’s miracle of walking on the water.  I refer to this reading now, however, because much of our Metropolis is in the midst of hurricane season; and especially after Hurricane Ida struck New Orleans, sixteen years after the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. 

In the Gospel account, St. Matthew writes that our Lord encouraged His Disciples to sail across the Sea of Galilee, which would give Him time to pray privately.  However, after several hours we read that, “…the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them.  And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea.  But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!”  And they cried out in fear.  But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:24-27).  Of course, we know then that Peter was inspired to join our Lord, but that when he stepped onto the water, he began to doubt, and after, to sink.  After saving Him, our Lord asked Peter, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31). Thinking about this passage and the storms to which many of our Metropolis have been subjected, I am reminded of our Lord’s question. 

We know that the passage ends with Peter and the other Disciples worshipping their Master as the Son of God, but the Evangelist wants us to hear our Lord’s question, “Why did you doubt?”  So often in our era, it can become easy for us to fall into despair at the state of the world.  However, despair is a sin, because it suggests that we know that the world is hopeless—when only God Himself is all-knowing.  Like the father of the possessed boy, we cry out, “I believe; help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24).  We call upon God, because we know that He is the Lord of the Powers, even when we doubt. 

As we continue through the remainder of this season which brings such unpredictable weather to many parts of our Holy Metropolis, may we do our best to continually turn to our Creator to support us, uplift us, and sustain us; trusting in His will to help us weather all the many kinds of storms in our lives. 

+ALEXIOS
Metropolitan of Atlanta

Chancellor's Update

As I write this message, more than a million residents are struggling with power outages and the aftermath of flooding as Hurricane Ida pummeled our Gulf states with heavy rain and high winds.  As it continued inland, tragic deaths occurred in Louisiana, Mississippi, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. Record rainfalls and flooding have left many areas in its path under states of emergency.

On behalf of His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios, I extend our deepest condolences to the families who have experienced loss of lives.  We offer prayers and support on behalf of all who have been affected.  Our hearts ache for the lives lost and the devastation from this storm.  As residents are allowed to return to their homes and businesses, we pray for God’s mercy as they confront clean-up and restoration efforts. Please let the Metropolis know of special needs so we can help direct and facilitate timely assistance.

Today, I received the following useful information from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). The month of September is “National Preparedness Month” – an observance each year to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time.  The 2021 theme is “Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love."

“Today marks the beginning of National Preparedness Month, as we’re already in the height of a very active hurricane season, while wildfire threats to communities are increasing daily,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell.  “Now is the time that everyone should have a conversation with their family, neighbors or loved ones to discuss what you would do in the event of a disaster in your area.  Use the resources on Ready.gov or Listo.gov to make sure you have taken the steps to get prepared.”

Also, everyone should sign up to receive local alerts and warning on your mobile phone.  Download the FEMA app and receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide and have the steps to prepare for disaster with you at all times to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Each week during National Preparedness Month will focus on a theme with easy-to-follow steps that individuals and families can take to enhance their emergency preparedness efforts.  This year's weekly themes include:

• Week 1: September 1-4: Make A Plan. 
• Week 2: September 5-11: Build A Kit.
• Week 3: September 12-18: Low-Cost, No-Cost Preparedness.
• Week 4: September 19-25: Teach Youth About Preparedness.

Ready.gov/September has free resources online, including social media content in multiple languages, for public use.  Help spread the word of how to be prepared for disasters and emergencies before they happen.  For more information, visit Ready.gov and Listo.gov.

Contact FEMA

If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Office of External Affairs:

• Congressional Affairs at (202) 646-4500 or at FEMA-Congressional-Affairs@fema.dhs.gov
• Intergovernmental Affairs at (202) 646-3444 or at FEMA-IGA@fema.dhs.gov
• Tribal Affairs at (202) 646-3444 or at FEMA-Tribal@fema.dhs.gov
• Private Sector Engagement at (202) 646-3444 or at nbeoc@max.gov

+Very Rev. Fr. George Tsahakis
Chancellor

Youth, Education and Hellenic Culture

For information on Policies for the Safety of Youth and Children, please click https://atlmetropolis.org/policies-for-the-safety-of-youth-and-children!

Please remember that all parishes must comply and sign their parish contracts to host any youth ministry programs or events on the parish level (Sunday School) or to participate on a District or Metropolis Level Events (Retreats, WYR & HDF).

Journey of Marriage (Pre-Marital Seminar)

All couples marrying in the Metropolis must attend a Metropolis-sponsored Journey of Marriage seminar prior to their wedding. The couple will present their certificate of completion to their parish priest after the seminar.

To see the full list of seminars in Florida and in our entire Metropolis for 2021 and beyond, and to register, please visit: https://atlmetropolis.org/pre-marital-seminars-journey-of-marriage

Registration is online.  Materials costs are included in the registration.  The seminars are currently being conducted by Zoom meeting.