Japan Devastaion

March 18, 2011

Dear National Board Members, Chapter Presidents and Members of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos  Society,  

It is with great sadness we learned of the loss of human life and horrendous destruction following the greatest earthquake of magnitude 9.0 and deadly tsunami that devoured much of the east coast of Japan on March 11, 2011.  Subsequent devastation has been widespread.  Leaking nuclear radiation has created a radioactive plume that is enveloping the atmosphere.  Some NY Times statistics as of the date of this writing include that more than 15,000 persons are dead or missing; 431,000 persons are homeless or displaced; and 1.64 million people are without water.  The United States Embassy recommended an evacuation of all persons, estimated to be 1.9 million residents, within 50 miles from the Fukushima Daiichi Power Station.

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios issued an encyclical calling upon the faithful of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America to "offer their fervent prayers" for the people of Japan.

Resulting from continuous Chapter fundraising efforts, the National Philoptochos Society was financially empowered to immediately respond with aid in the amount of $25,000 from the National Philoptochos Society's National Emergency Fund to the IOCC.  The IOCC is coordinating its response with local Orthodox and ecumenical partners in Japan to identify unmet needs that will complement the assistance being rendered by the Japanese and other governments.

IOCC encourages the assemblage of health and baby kits.  Information on assembling the kits and materials may be found at the IOCC website www.iocc.org.

Much will be required in Japan.  As this tragedy unfolds and we learn of the appropriate measures to assist, we will keep you, our Philoptochos Sisterhood, informed.

The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society is dedicated to assisting persons in need.  It is our mission to offer kind acts and demonstrate our will to faithfully serve with a generous heart. 

Please offer to our Lord and Saviour your most fervent prayers for our sisters and brothers in Japan and for all whose lives have been affected.

In Christ,

Aphrodite Skeadas