On Saturday, August 26, Hurricane Harvey hit the state of Texas. This is the first hurricane in nine years, the last being Hurricane Ike, to devastate the coast of Texas. The damage caused by this hurricane will be far more than any hurricane in recorded Texas history. People in Texas learn to live with this kind of natural disaster. Since Sunday early morning, August 27, the rain has continued, and it will likely continue for the rest of the week. Many neighborhoods are flooded. People are being trapped inside their houses and are waiting to be extracted. Although authorities are rescuing people around the clock, civilians, people of good will and faith, are aiding the afflicted. All the shelters are already overflowing. Tens of thousands of people have been rescued so far, and the flooding has not yet ceased.

The community of Holy Protection Orthodox Church in Houston, with few exceptions, has been spared. God in His long-suffering mercy has been gracious to us. The newly constructed building is safe. However, if the rain continues, flooding is still a possibility. People who live close to the church regularly stop by to check on the property. By the grace of God, the extended family of Holy Protection Church is safe, although things can change dramatically.

A hurricane usually starts as a small tropical storm and then becomes more powerful as it moves. Its movement should remind us of how small things in our life can grow into devastating, fatal events. Many years ago, people would die because of hurricanes, not knowing of their coming. Nowadays, due to technology and knowledge about weather, people are informed in due time so that they can prepare themselves, take shelter, and even evacuate. The goal is to save life. On a spiritual level, there are also warnings before greater events occur. We must learn to identify things that can threaten both our soul and our body.

As we continue to go through this disaster, I ask for your prayers. I will keep you informed.

Fr. Julian Anitei,
Houston, Texas