St Herman of Alaska Monastery complex as seen from the grave of Blessed Elder Seraphim Rose of Platina (1934-82)
Apparently, the danger from the forest fires in northern California appears over, and the monastics are returning home. Thank God! Thank you to Papa Herman for the information.
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From: Fr Damascene
Date: 29 June 2008 21.43 PDT
To: Bishop Maxim
Subject: Sunday evening, 29 June update. Platina evacuation lifted
Your Grace,
Bless, Master!
Glory be to God, we received wonderful news this evening. The Noble fire around Platina is now 81 percent contained, having burned 12,500 acres (5,058 hectares). Because the winds did not pick up in the vicinity of Platina over the last few days, the fire-fighters had ample opportunity to contain the fire. As of this evening at 18.00, the evacuation of Platina has been lifted. We are now planning to move back to the St Herman Monastery tomorrow. The Telephone fire near Wildwood is now 52 percent contained, having burned 4,700 acres (1,902 hectares). The evacuation for Wildwood is still in place. However, the forest rangers told us tonight that they are hoping to lift the evacuation for Wildwood tomorrow, at which time the nuns will be able to return to St Xenia Skete. I will write again when, God willing, we have returned to Platina. We continue to be grateful for the unremitting prayers that have been offered for the preservation of our monasteries. By the Grace of God, there has not been any significant dry lightning over the last few days, as had been forecasted. Also, as mentioned above, the absence of strong winds has been a tremendous boon for the fire-fighters.
Asking Your Archpastoral blessings and prayers,
In Christ,
Hieromonk Damascene
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