[bypeTeenehalT]

Dear friends,

I ask your prayers for the safety of people in Greece. Just a few minutes ago we experienced an earthquake lasting for several seconds and my legs are still feeling rubbery. Thessaloniki was obviously a lot closer to the epicenter this time than previous quakes in Greece and this was certainly the strongest quake I have ever felt though nothing in our house fell over. It was a rather frightening experience and I am glad that we had just finished our evening prayers and were still standing before our icons.

We are now waiting for any news broadcasts giving information regarding the epicenter and any damage that may have occurred. Please keep us in your prayers as we have had buildings collapse in the past.

John.

[bypeTeenehalT]

Just a quick update before I hit the sack.

It turns out not to have been such a biggie afterall, 4.7 richter, but only 16km west of Thessaloniki and near the surface, so it sure felt big from our perspective. Apparently the location of the epicenter does not have a history of large seismic events so there is probably nothing to worry about. Earthquakes are an accepted part of life in Greece, but it is still scary when you experience one up close.

Sorry if I have caused any needless worry. It seems the only damage is a few antenna arrays for the mobile phones have gone on the blink.

I'm heading off to bed now.

John

[MadMark]

Dear in Christ,

I lived in San Francisco, so I have experienced many earthquakes, and there is a very special fear that you feel when the earth beneath you either shakes,or rolls like a wave. May our Saviour and His most pure Mother watch over you and the people of Greece. I am praying for you.

In Christ,

Fr. A.