Platina evacuations have been lifted!

As of last night for St Herman's Monastery and this morning for the St Xenia Skete, the evacuations have been lifted. One of the fires is 81% contained, and the other is 52% contained (just how do they figure that out accurately anyway?). I'd feel better if the news was both fires were 100% contained and it had started raining in the area, but alas, that hasn't happened yet.

It's good news, but keep them in your prayers, please. I keep thinking the fires are still 19% and 48% uncontained, or, out-of-control - or is that the cynic in me?

The Nuns of St Xenia's Skete are now evacuated too

Current updates to the situation for both St Herman's Monastery and St Xenia's Skete can be found here:

http://westsrbdio.org/prayer_appeal/st_herman_of_alaska_monastery.html

Lord have mercy!

Pray for St Herman's Monastery

Apparently, there is a wild fire, out of control, on the ridge above the monastery in Platina, California. The monks have been evacuated to Redding, and they are asking for prayers to save the Monastery.

The Platina Fire Department (a total of two people!) are doing their best...

The nuns at St Xenia Skete are still there, according to the latest news.

Work Party and Hewlett Family Transportation Difficulties

Just a reminder that (1) there is a work party tomorrow (well, today now) as well as a warning that (2) we (Fr. Justin and family) may not be there for much of it! This is not because we are trying to get out of working, but rather because we will be trying to get our van working. It died late last night as we were on our way to St. John's House, so we had to return to our home in Surrey to sleep and obtain our one working vehicle.

Matushka will be letting those who will be at the work party know what needs to be done - and those who live at St. John's House will also have a good sense of what needs to be done, I'm sure! If it is at all possible for me to get in by noon for the rescheduled mission board meeting, I will be there, but if I am not able to get in until later in the day, perhaps we might be able to meet shortly after I arrive.

The children did amazingly well, thank God, especially considering the lateness of the hour and how long they had to wait while Matushka Sarah and her dad tinkered with the van to try to get it working. We're still not sure what the problem is with the van yet - it mostly just refuses to start - please continue to keep us all in your prayers!

Vesperal Liturgy for Ascension Tonight

Just a quick reminder that there will be a Vesperal Liturgy for Ascension, held in St. John's House, tonight (Thursday) at 7:30pm. If you are planning to receive communion, please come fasting from about noon on.