Wild Fires Threaten St. Herman of Alaska Monastery in Platina, California
His Grace Bishop Maxim of the Western American Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church urges all Orthodox faithful to offer prayers for the protection of the St. Herman of Alaska Serbian Orthodox Monastery in Platina, California. Wild fires are quickly approaching the Monastery grounds and the Monastery is in great danger of being burned down. The monastic community has been evacuated and are seeking refuge in the neighboring parish of Redding, CA. For updates as they are available, visit this page.
Update Wednesday, June 25, 2008: Fr. Damascene informed His Grace Bishop Maxim that he called Platina this morning and was told that the fire is not spreading in the direction of the Monastery. Fr. Damascene and Monk Paisius have left for Platina to talk with firefighters and forest rangers. The other monks will remain in Redding until further notice.