His Grace, Bishop Maxim of the Western American Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church urges all of our 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, California.

His Grace, Bishop Maxim serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of St Vladimir's Seminary. The seminary offers its fervent prayers for the Brotherhood of the Monastery and all those affected by the fires in California.

Updates are made available on the web site of the Western American Diocese.

Update: We have received word that the monasteries in the area of Platina, CA were spared. Glory be to God!