Metropolitan Athenagoras immediately visited the homes and schools of Greek Orthodox faithful in Haiti to assess the damage done by the earthquake. Deeply moved by what he saw, “this is a disaster of immense proportions” he noted. “All of the buildings where our Church and schools are presently housed, were seriously damaged and will need major repairs, or even worse will need to be demolished and rebuilt.” His Eminence further visited the property owned by the Holy Metropolis where plans to build a complete complex, comprised of a Church, a school, a clinic and housing for clergy, had been approved. “Since our property is presently vacant, families whose homes were destroyed and who had no place to live, are presently using our property for temporary living quarters,” he said. About 3000 people live on the Church property, 1000 of whom are children. Initially they lived out in the open until last week when the Metropolis received a donation of 500 tents, which were given to these families for more humane living conditions.
Along with two Haitian Greek Orthodox clergy, Metropolitan Athenagoras performed Divine Liturgy in a small open area of the property. The Liturgy was attended by many hundreds of Haitian Greek Orthodox faithful and by all of the families living there. Upon the completion of the Divine Liturgy His Eminence brought the people the blessings and concern of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and offered words of comfort to Haitian faithful and all those present, asking them to keep hope alive. “We will not abandon you, we are here and will remain with you, for as many years as it takes, until you can return to your homes or until new homes can be built. We will rebuild our Church, we will rebuild our schools and we will do everything possible to help you rebuild your lives and your future,” Metropolitan Athenagoras stated.
Following Liturgy, the clergy distributed rice, flour, raisins and other food aid, which was part of the aid given by the Greek Government and the Church of Greece, to the families present.
On his way to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Metropolitan Athenagoras passed through New York and visited with Archbishop Demetrios of America. Upon assessing the present situation, together they determined a plan of action which Metropolitan Athenagoras will present to Patriarch Bartholomew, so that, with the help of IOCC and the financial aid and assistance provided by the Church of America, positive measures can be pursued in helping the people of Haiti meet their immediate needs while working towards a long term and more permanent solution in rebuilding the lives and future of the Haitian Greek Orthodox Community.
Metropolitan Athenagoras was expected to return to Haiti the first weekend of March when he was to meet with President Rene Preval to discuss various options available for a cooperative effort with the Haitian Government for the benefit of the people of this devastated island nation.
