Archbishop orders help sent to flood victims in western Attica

Archbishop Ieronymos on Thursday ordered the Church of Greece’s Apostoli charity to provide assistance to the victims of a deadly flood in western Attica that claimed at least 15 lives on Wednesday and destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses.

“I am deeply overwhelmed, as are all Greeks, by the indescribable tragedy that has struck western Attica,” he said.

“I am praying for the souls of the innocent victims to find rest, and my thoughts are with their families and with all the residents of the area who, it seems, are facing another difficult night,” the archbishop added.

His statement came after similar sentiments were expressed by Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomaios, who said the Church sends its “affection and prayers” to all the people affected by the flood.

In his announcement, the ecumenical patriarch also extended a plea for more environmental awareness, calling on the public to protect “our common home.”