Dear to God,

With great sadness I convey news that the two beautiful daughters of our Deacon Laike & Meheret (Missy) Misikir, Helina and Merone, have been in an automobile accident en route from a wedding in Atlanta, GA.  The girls are currently receiving medical care at Skyridge Medical Center in Cleveland, Tennessee, and the parents are soon to be with them.

We know at this time that there were five traveling in the car, and one fatality (a friend of the family) has already occurred.

Please keep your vigil light burning and your prayers going up continually for Helina (critical care) and Merone (now in a coma) and for all of the family during this difficult time.

As faithful servants of God, let us “lean into Him” in our deepest, heartfelt prayers at this time, praying for His mercy, the intercession of His holy angels, especially the Archangel Gabriel, and the love and comfort of the Theotokos.  Please also pray that our Lord give strength to Deacon Laike & Missy during this difficult time as parents.

When I remember God, I moan; when I meditate, my spirit faints. You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak. I consider the days of old, the years long ago. I said, “Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart.” Then my spirit made a diligent search. (Psalm 77:3-6) 

For any who are able, we will gather at St. Raphael  to offer prayers tomorrow, Wednesday, July 11, at 6:30 PM asking the Lord’s blessing and healing for Helina & Merone.  If you are unable to join us, thank you for your continuing  prayers for the girls, Deacon Laike & Missy and all the family.

I will send further updates to you as they are received.

Fr. Paul

Ps.

Attached is a beautiful Akathist of Thanksgiving for your devotions at this time.  Let us give thanks to God for all things:

KONTAKION 1

Incorruptible King of all ages, holding in your hand every path of human life through the power of Your saving Providence.  We thank you for all the good things You do, those we know and those we don't know, for earthly life and for the heavenly joy of Your Kingdom to come.  Hold us in Your mercy now and ever we who sing: Glory to You, O God, unto ages of ages.

Ikos

                Into the world I was born as a weak, helpless child, but Your Angel spread wings of light over me, guarding my crib.  Ever since then Your love lights all my paths, wonderfully guiding me towards the light of eternity.  Gloriously, the generous gifts of Your Providence have been manifest from the very first day.  I am thankful to You and with all who have come to know You, call out:

            Glory to You, Who called me to life,

            Glory to You, Who have shown me the beauty of the universe,

            Glory to You, Who have opened before me the sky and the earth as an

                      eternal book of wisdom,

            Glory to the eternity of You, in the midst of the world of time,

            Glory to You, for Your hidden and evident goodness,

            Glory to You, for every sigh of my sadness,

            Glory to You, for every step of my life, for every moment of joy,

            Glory to You, O God, unto ages of ages.

I will forward more news as it unfolds.  Please forward this message to your family and parishioners I may not have on my distribution list.

In Christ, Who is our strength, our hope and our joy,

Fr. Paul Albert

St. Raphael of Brooklyn Orthodox Church

Detroit, MI

419-944-3995