Platina, California, August 26, 2021
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The brotherhood of St. Herman of Alaska Monastery in Platina, California, has been in evacuation for a week and a half now due to the threat of wildfires.
Most of the monks have been staying at the Monastery of St. John of San Francisco across the valley in Manton since August 16.
Firefighters have been working hard, and the brotherhood hopes to return home soon. The monastery reported yesterday:
Firefighters in Platina have been working hard to create a fire break around our monastery. Today they did some controlled burns for that purpose. So far, the fire has been contained in Beegum Gorge, below the monastery. If it spreads toward our monastery, the firefighters will be prepared.
We thank all those who have been praying for us, and we ask for continued prayers, not only for us, but also for the heroic firefighters and for all those who have been adversely affected by the many wildfires (739 to be exact) that are now active in the USA, especially in the Western states.
One of the fathers also contacted OrthoChristian, emphasizing that the monks hope to celebrate the feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God at home at their St. Herman’s Monastery:
The fire is now at almost 20,000 acres, and is winding down. It's about 73% contained. Over the past few days they have been conducting backfires to consume the fuel below Noble Ridge while conditions are fortuitous. They have so far been quite successful, but we still can't go home until this is completed. God willing, we might be able to celebrate Dormition at home.
St. Herman’s Monastery was founded by Blessed Seraphim (Rose) and Fr. Herman (Podmoshensky) in the late 1960s, and is now home to the grave of Fr. Seraphim, who died at the age of 48 in 1982.
The monastery has been threatened by wildfire numerous times, though it has thus far been preserved by God’s grace.
The associated St. Xenia Skete in nearby Wildwood had to be evacuated earlier this month, though it suffered no damage and the sisters have already returned.
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