NEW YORK - Archbishop Demetrios of America, on behalf of the Holy Eparchial Synod, issued an Encyclical (available here) in which he calls upon the faithful of the Archdiocese to pray for, and offer financial support to the people of the Philippines who were affected by Typhoon Haiyan: “We fervently ask you, beloved people of our Holy Archdiocese, to become part of the relief response and help the people of the Philippines and the devastated areas through the efforts of our Church. Responding generously, and together as a community of faith, we will be able to support immediate and long-term relief efforts of the Orthodox Church and partner relief organizations that are already on-the-ground.” The Archdiocesan Encyclical designated the Sundays of November 17th and 24th as days of prayer and special offerings to help the people of the Philippines.

The Archdiocese established a special Philippines Relief Fund and donations can be made online here, or by mailing a check, earmarked for the Philippines Relief Fund, to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America: 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075.