Message from His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco

Beloved in the Lord,

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

I wish to inform you that I am scheduled to have Mitral Valve Replacement surgery on December 6, 2022. This condition has been monitored for several years, and I made the decision, in consultation with my doctors, that this is the most appropriate time to have this procedure.

It is anticipated that following surgery my availability to work will be restricted for about two weeks. I plan to resume communication through email and virtual meetings by the Christmas holiday, and hope to build up to my full schedule by later in January.

Please know that you are always in my prayers, and I ask for you to keep me in your prayers as I prepare for this operation. May we also supplicate the Lord Our God to be with my surgeon and all the medical workers that they may be granted abundant blessings for all they do to care for those who need medical attention.

Our Metropolis is blessed with an excellent Administrative Staff led by our Chancellor, His Grace Bishop Ioannis of Phocaea. There will be no interruptions to the ongoing work of our Metropolis, and I look forward to hearing of our continued progress during my recuperation, and immersing myself in our God-pleasing work.

I know that I am in good hands with my surgeon, but most importantly, I am in God’s hands and that is where I place my trust.

Always remembering with a grateful heart our clergy and faithful and your dedication to the Church, and beseeching the Lord’s blessings upon you, I remain,

With Love in Christ,
+ G E R A S I M O S
Metropolitan of San Francisco