Emergency Weather Page Information Concerning the Divine Services and Activities at all saints

Updated on Saturday, October 6, 2022:

Due to the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, All Divine Services and Activities are Canceled from Sunday, October 9, 2022 to Saturday, October 15, 2022. We appreciate your understanding during this time. Thank you so much and God Bless!

Updated on Wednesday, October 5, 2022:

As the coverage of the recovery continues you may read about and see the devastation, anger at the situation after the storm and frustration at the speed of the recovery from the storm. There are a lot that we do not have, and there is nothing wrong with feeling how you feel. However, we received a note a few days ago of hope and joy that is coming out of this storm. The note explained, “Neighbors are helping each other and it is even in the small things such as charging cell phones or a bottle of water. Many of these neighbors we have not seen much of or met. It is so hopeful to see how the community of the neighborhood is coming together and shows how God is reminding me to love those we encounter.” It is these little small ways in which God speaks to us and reminds us that in the midst of the pain and sorrow and even the joys, our God is always with us.

Updated on Sunday, October 2, 2022:

Prayer Reflection from the Book of Habakkuk

A reading from the Prophet Habakkuk:

Thus says the Lord, How long, O LORD? I cry for help but you do not listen! I cry out to you, "Violence!" but you do not intervene. Why do you let me see ruin; why must I look at misery? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and clamorous discord. Then the LORD answered me and said: Write down the vision clearly upon the tablets, so that one can read it readily. For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint; if it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late. The rash one has no integrity; but the just one, because of his faith, shall live (Habakkuk 1:2-3 and 2:2-4).

I find myself at times wondering why allow all of this destruction God? I know that these emotions and feelings are normal and good. This reading spoke to me, because it reminds me that as imperfect as I am, God is still present. Even in the midst of the pain and sorrow, I need to put more trust in God. This is not a blind trust, a glossing over of the issues, or minimalizing my experience, rather it is a reminder that God’s in control. I do not have to understand, but I do have to remember that I am His beloved. I am His chosen and elect, just like each one of us. This trust and faith in God can only be increased through a decision to spend time with God. It is a choice, to take some time out of our day to continue to build our relationship with God. So that we can get to know Him more, and allow us to see for ourselves, the reality of how God sees us. How we see each other, and how God sees us, which can be a vastly different. I pray that this week, we can spend some time growing with each other in community and with God!

Updated on Saturday, October 1, 2022:

Dearest Family and Friends of All Saints,

I wanted to give you a quick update on the grounds of the parish. However, I want to caution everyone that this is a preliminary, quick assessment of the current situation regarding the damage sustained as a result of Hurricane Ian.

The church roof sustain damage from the storm with about half or more of the shingles blew off. There appears to be some water damage in the restroom section of the church building, this should hopefully not affect our ability to hold Divine Services in the parish.

In the Social Hall, the window facing the street blew out during the storm. It has been boarded up.

Presently, the Rectory appears to only have damage done to the carport and front porch roofs and some of the screens have been blown out.

Unfortunately, the well that held the church bell on it, in front of the church, was destroyed. While we still have trees and limbs down, we, as a whole, did very well. Praise be to God, we are able to hold services soon once the resources and infrastructure allow. Please stay tuned to the calendar for services and this page as well.

Updated on Friday, September 30, 2022:

We have heard from many of the family members of our parish family and all are safe and secure. If you are able, please check in with us to allow us to know how you are in the aftermath of the storm. May we all continue to pray for all those affected by the storm.

Updated on Thursday, September 29, 2022:

Dearest Parishioners,
As we all know, the storm has passed and the rebuilding process will begin. While most of the information being shared is showing the destruction of this storm, it has not stopped us from being who we are, God’s beloved. God has not abandoned us, and is still continuing to care for us. Please do not despair but take courage that God is with Us. I ask that we continue to pray for everyone who has been affected by this storm and those who are still in the path of the storm.

While many family members have checked in at the parish, if you are able to check in with us, please do. Please reach out and contact the parish office by emailing us with your name and safety status at: allsaintsbyzantine@gmail.com or text us at 239-785-6135 that you are safe and secure or if you are in need of anything. Thank you so much!

Updated on Wednesday, September 28, 2022:

My dearest parishioners and family members, due to the storm All DIVINE SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES ARE CANCELED from Wednesday, September 28, 2022 to Saturday, October 8, 2022.

Please stay safe and secure during this storm. We ask Our Lady our Mother to intercede and protect us under her mantle of love. May God protect us and all those who are affected by this storm, especially those who are most vulnerable.

Updated on Tuesday, September 27, 2022:

As many of you have been made aware of the various watches and warnings of Hurricane, Tropical Storm and Storm Surge, including mandatory and voluntary evacuations of areas within our Parish Family. We ask of everyone to please stay safe and secure. Each and everyone of you is always more precious and important than any item in the world. Your life matters the most.

Out of the abundance of caution and potential storm issues that can arise from the impending storm, Father Steven has decided to voluntarily evacuate the area. The schedule of Divine Services will be updated tomorrow. He appreciates your understanding in this matter.

We continue to ask for the intercession of our Mother and Jesus Christ to come protect us, and guide us towards a greater unity together with the Father and the Holy and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen!

Updated on Monday, September 26, 2022:

While we are monitoring the storm as it comes closer towards Florida, our protocols and cancellations as indicated below remains the same. Please continue to pray for all of those who are affected by the storm.

Updated on Sunday, September 25, 2022:

All Divine Services and Activities are cancelled at All Saints Byzantine Catholic Church from Monday, September 26, 2022 to Saturday, October 1, 2022 due to the potentially damaging impending storm. Please remember to stay safe and secure during any weather related emergency. This website page will be updated daily to reflect any changes. Thank you very much for your understanding.