Beloved in Christ, 

We ask you to continue praying for all the people of Los Angeles and the surrounding region. Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes, including some members of our LA parishes (e.g., St. Steven's Cathedral [Alhambra], St. Sava [San Gabriel], The Nativity of the Theotokos [Orange County], as the worst-ever wildfires rage over the Los Angeles area. 
Let's keep praying for them and the other many who lost their homes and for our firefighters and first responders. May God keep all of our brothers and sisters safe and bring a complete end to these fires! 

We are also grateful for the many who have inquired about the status of families and friends in the aforementioned parishes and communities and offered ways of helping their immediate needs.  As time goes on, those needs will continue, and we appreciate everyone's prayers and assistance. Through our Saint George Good Samaritan Fund, we plan to assist with some immediate needs for victims, and we will continue to do so as much as possible as the needs further evolve.  We will work with IOCC and FOCUS North America to find ways to join in their efforts to provide needed resources for families throughout Southern California who have been greatly affected by these wildfires. 
 
Additionally, His Grace, Bishop Maxim, and the Western American Diocese have established a fund dedicated to donations to support the victims of these tragic events, and the link is included here. DONATE HERE | WEBPAGE APPEAL
 
We thank everyone for their prayers and efforts, large and small, as we do our part to help those in need.  May God continue to bless our efforts. For any questions about our efforts, please get in touch with us at 619-276-5827 or frbratso@sbcglobal.net.

A Prayer for the Victims of Fire and Protection from the Flames

O Lord our God, merciful and full of compassion,
we lift our hearts in prayer to You,
asking for Your divine protection and mercy
upon those suffering from the devastation of fire.
 
Graciously hear the cries of those in need,
comfort the afflicted, heal the wounded,
and protect those who are in danger.
 
Send Your Holy angels to guard and guide them,
and may Your grace strengthen them in this trial.
We pray, O Lord, that You would change the winds,
direct them away from all harm,
and calm the flames so that they may cease
to ravage Your creation and the lives of Your people.
 
Grant us Your peace, O Lord,
and deliver us from this fire,
that we may give thanks and praise to You,
our Deliverer, now and always. We humbly pray
through the intercessions of the Most Holy Theotokos,
the Protectress of this city of angels and of all the saints.
Amen.