Springfield, VA, July 7, 2025
Photo: rbk.ru
On Sunday, July 6, 2025, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon issued the following statement concerning the devastating flooding in central Texas:
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the terrible flooding in central Texas along the Guadalupe River, along with the great loss of life. At this time, with many still missing, I urge the clergy and faithful of the Orthodox Church in America to pray for the efforts of first responders and all involved in search efforts. I also pray that the Lord would extend his great comfort to all those who have suffered loss of loved ones or friends due to this disaster, or who were harmed by these floods in any way. In accordance with the apostolic command to Weep with those who weep (Rom. 12:15), I, together with all the clergy and faithful of the Orthodox Church in America, join with those affected by this flooding, and indeed with all the people of the United States, in mourning this tragedy. Finally, as rain storms continue to threaten the affected areas of the Guadalupe Basin, let us beseech the Lord that ‘He will remember the covenant he made with Noah and not destroy us with grievous wetness and the stormy breath of winds’ (Book of Needs), but instead reveal his great mercy by sending fair weather together with gentle showers in their season.
“To all those assisting the victims of this flood, may God grant his protection and blessing, and many years.
“To all those who have suffered because of this disaster, may God show his comfort and mercy.
“To all those who lost loved one and friends in this tragedy, may God reveal his compassion and love.”
On Friday morning, July 4, torrential rains caused the Guadalupe River to flood in several counties in central Texas. The waters in the river basin rose 26 feet (8 meters) in just 45 minutes. A Christian camp, Camp Mystic, was hosting around 750 children at the time, and the floods took the lives of 27 of them, including a camp director who tried to save three girls. As of July 7, the official death toll in the region is over 89.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a day of prayer across the state of Texas on Sunday, and Texas churches of various denominations have been keeping prayer vigils for the rescue of the missing, for the search teams, and for the affected families. “All we know is that prayer does work," Governor Abbot said at a news conference (as reported on Christian Today).
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