Metropolitan Gerasimos Shares Message of Pastoral Love from His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

“Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed,  for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” –Joshua 1:9
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It is with great esteem and respect that I share with you this letter from His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. This poignant message to our faithful who have been suffering from the devastation of the fires is truly a message of love and compassion from our Spiritual Father and Shepherd.

Even though Constantinople is thousands of miles away from the west coast, the pastoral care and concern of His All-Holiness is deeply appreciated and reflects His love for us as well as His ongoing concern and commitment to preserving and protecting the environment. Our Mother Church serves a guide and beacon for our Archdiocese and Metropolis, carrying the torch of our faith and preserving and promoting Orthodox Christianity throughout the world.

May God, in His infinite wisdom, love and mercy, grant peace to all those who have been affected by these fires and throughout the world during this Christmas season and the New Year!

With Love in Christ,

+ G E R A S I M O S
Metropolitan of San Francisco