Spokane, Washington, August 5, 2026
Photo: New York Times
Emergency evacuations swept through northern Spokane, Washington, on Saturday, August 1, after the Old Trails fire jumped the Spokane River amid winds exceeding 40 mph, high temperatures, and dry conditions. The evacuations affected one of the most populous parts of Spokane County, including parishioners of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.
Among those evacuated were Fr. Stephen and Presvytera Irene Supica, who served the parish for 32 years before his retirement in 2020, reports the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco.
Despite the disruption, the parish held Great Vespers and Paraklesis on Saturday evening and continued with Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning, offering prayers for those affected by the fires and the broader Spokane community.
Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco said prayers continue for the faithful of Holy Trinity, their neighbors, and all who have suffered loss, as well as for firefighters and emergency personnel working to protect lives and property.
As of Sunday, August 2, all parishioners have been accounted for and no deaths have been reported. Fr. Daniel Triant, parish priest at Holy Trinity, said that while there has been widespread loss of homes and structures in the region, none of the parish’s members are known to have lost their homes.
He noted that many community members have offered their own homes and resources to those displaced, and that he has received numerous messages of support.
The fires mark one of the worst wildfire seasons the region has experienced, with nearly 8,000 acres burned and more than 600 structures destroyed as of the latest reports. The situation remains ongoing, with the parish stating it will continue to assess conditions in the coming days and offer assistance to the wider community.
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