Dear Brethren,
Christ is in our midst!
On behalf of Raymond (Romanos), Catherine, and Rachel Mandell, I wanted to provide a brief update regarding a difficult setback their family experienced yesterday. On the afternoon of Tuesday, January 27, Lawrence Township Volunteer Fire Company #1 promptly responded to a fire that broke out on the second floor of the Mandells’ home in Clearfield. While the fire was limited to two rooms on the second floor and the structure remains sound, there is water and smoke damage throughout the house. Most importantly, everyone is safe, including the Mandells’ beloved four-legged family members.
Ray, Katya, and Rachel wish to express their gratitude to God and to their parish family for the prayers and care being shown. Their son and brother, Jacob, together with Ray’s brother Mark, have rallied immediate support among family and community members. They have also graciously covered the family’s short-term housing needs.
With Ray’s blessing, the parish will be taking up a special collection to assist the Mandell family with longer-term needs arising from the fire. We will receive this offering over the next two Sundays, one at each of our churches, and donations may also be made through our online giving portal at orthodoxclearfield.org/give. As with all parish appeals, donations are tax-deductible, and 100% of contributions go directly to the family. For those who give online, all transaction fees are covered by the parish.
We ask that parishioners continue to keep the family in their prayers and allow them space as they navigate the days ahead.
Thank you for your support, and especially for your prayers.
Love, in Christ,
Fr. Alexander