In Christ’s Compassion: A Prayerful Response to the Texas Flood Tragedy

We hold fast to the comforting words of our Savior: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4).

This past weekend, the Guadalupe River swelled suddenly, sweeping away homes, camps, and lives—young and old—in what is already one of the deadliest floods in Texas history.

Over 100 precious souls have been confirmed lost, including children and faithful counselors at Camp Mystic. As of today, more than 160 remain missing.

A Call to Orthodox Prayer & Solidarity

1. Prayers for the Lost and Missing
   We share in the sorrow of grieving families, lifting up every name before the throne of Christ. We pray for those still missing, trusting God’s mercy to bring them home or grant peace to their souls.
2. Support for Rescuers and Volunteers
   Metropolitan Tikhon and Archbishop Elpidophoros have called the faithful to pray for the strength, courage, and compassion of first responders. Let us echo those pleas, asking the Lord to shield and sustain every volunteer, rescuer, and K‑9 team working through debris and despair.
3. Faith Amidst Heartache
   In the face of this tragedy, doubt, anguish, and questions of “Why?” are natural. Yet our faith in the Resurrection reminds us: death does not have the final word. As Orthodox Christians, we affirm the promise that Christ, through His death and resurrection, has conquered suffering and brings virtual life from the ashes of destruction.
4. Community Action Rooted in Love
   Our churches are called to tangible acts of mercy. This moment is a call to support relief through our benevolence ministries, to send supplies, aid displaced families, and care for their emotional and spiritual needs through fellowship and prayer.

A Short Prayer for Texas

O merciful Lord Jesus Christ,
You who calm storms and resurrect the dead:
Hear the prayers of Your Church
On behalf of those grieving, lost, and displaced in Texas.
Grant mercy upon the souls of the departed,
Comfort and strengthen the hearts of the survivors,
Inspire your faithful to share your love in action—
Through rescue, relief, and prayer—
Until the day when all tears are wiped away.
Amen.