5/16/05

Archbishop NATHANIEL Makes Appeal for
Flood Disaster Relief in Banat Region of Romania

Grass Lake MI [ROEA Chancery]  –  In response to the disastrous floods which have recently affected parts of Romania, most tragically in the counties of Timis and Caras Severin, His Eminence, Archbishop NATHANIEL has established a relief fund to which all parishes, clergy and faithful are encouraged to contribute.

“Several months ago, we know many across our Episcopate contributed to the relief efforts for the disaster in Asia,” commented His Eminence, Archbishop NATHANIEL.  “We anticipate that this same sense of Christian love and compassion will again be prevalent, especially as we aid of those in the nation from which many of our faithful and ancestors have come....Most importantly, we ask our clergy and faithful to keep the victims in their prayers.”

Thousands of homes and businesses have been completely destroyed, and several villages, in additional to more than 100,000 hectares of farmland, are said to be completely underwater.  As a result, thousands of people are now homeless.  Recent estimates have valued the damage at 20 million euros in the Timis region alone.  Although relief agencies are working to provide their services, they have reported that financial aid for this disaster is slow in coming.

Due to the urgency of the need for aid, contributions will be collected from now until the end of this month.  At that time, the funds will be sent to the Metropolitanate of Banat (which is under the leadership of His Eminence, Metropolitan NICOLAE) for distribution through the local Church’s assistance programs.

Please make checks payable to “ROEA” and indicate in the memo that it is for “Aid Banat”.  Send all contributions by MAY 31 to:

ROEA – Aid Banat
PO Box 309
Grass Lake MI 49240-0309