August 29, 2017
The Beheading of St. John the Baptist
ENGLEWOOD, NJ His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph has issued a statement of concern and a call to action regarding the flooding in the state of Texas caused by the hurricane and tropical storm, Harvey. "The people of Texas are in our thoughts and prayers," said Sayidna Joseph. "Let us continue to remember them! We have been in constant contact with our clergy and parishes there, and are preparing to help them with whatever they need.
"Once we have been able to assess the needs of our churches and faithful," added the Metropolitan, "we will be sending out an appeal for financial assistance to all of the parishes of the Archdiocese. At this time, several Antiochian priests are on the ground providing assistance as members of the trained and credentialed International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) Frontline response team."
Hurricane Harvey, the strongest storm system to hit the state of Texas since 1961, has caused catastrophic flooding in many parts of southeastern Texas, particularly in the city of Houston.