Diocesan Chancellor Announces Hurricane Sandy Relief Appeal
JOHNSTOWN, PA -- The Diocesan Chancery has released the following communique from Very Rev. Protopresbyter Frank P. Miloro, Diocesan Chancellor, regarding the institution of a diocesan relief effort in behalf of Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church of North Royalton, Ohio which was severely impacted by Hurricane Sandy:
Dear Fathers and Members of our Parish Communities:
We are thankful to God that no loss of life has been reported to us from any diocesan parish as a result of the horrific impact of Hurricane Sandy. Likewise, the loss of property to parishes on the East Coast is minimal, particulary in parish communities that have been effected one or more times by previous storms.
I must bring to your attention, however, the storm damage that was inflicted on our Christ the Saviour Parish in North Royalton, Ohio where Fr. David Smoley is pastor, assisted by Deacon Robert Hubiak. I have been in contact with the parish clergy as well as Father Dean Ken Bachofsky. As you are already aware, the church dome was torn from the roof. Because of irreparable damage, the cupola must be replaced, which the insurance company will do, less a $1,000 deductable.
However, other storm damage was done to the church and social hall, including extensive water damage to rest rooms through exterior walls, and damage that occurred inside entrance ways. Drainage work needs to be done around the outside perimeter of the building. Insurance will not cover any of this damage as the parish does not have flood insurance, and the insurance company has classified it as "flood damage". The cupola is being replaced by the insurance company as a result of "wind damage".
Acording to Father Smoley and Dean Bachofsky, because of dwindling parish population, reduced revenue and huge maintenance costs, the parish does not have the funds to make the flood damage repairs.
In behalf of Bishop-elect Gregory, the Diocesan Consistory and the Diocesan Board of Trustees, I am appealing to all our parishes to make a contribution for this cause, as we have similarly done in the past for other parishes in the aftermath of hurricanes and other disasters. Parishes may employ whatever means possible to raise storm funds. A parish check payable to ACROD may be sent to the Diocesan Chancery, but no later than November 28th. Our combined gift will be given soon after to Christ the Saviour Church in North Royalton, Ohio.
Additionally, you will want to remember that the needs of many others on the East Coast and in the northeast who are victims of Hurricane Sandy are foremost in the minds of many Americans at this time. Parish communities are asked to hold up in prayer the many people impacted by this storm.
Please encourage your faithful and parish organizations to donate to IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities) or the AMERICAN RED CROSS. God bless you for your gifts!
With prayerful regards, I remain
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Very Rev. Protopresbyter Frank P. Miloro