Members of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR) in the United States have been providing crucial assistance to families affected by Hurricane Helena, which devastated the southeastern states in late September 2024. According to Father Matthew Williams, the rector of St. Tikhon’s Church in Blountville, Tennessee, three parish families lost their homes to severe flooding caused by the storm. These families, who lost all their belongings, were given temporary shelter and support by the parish.

Hurricane Helena, which began in Florida on September 26, continued its destructive path northward, causing catastrophic flooding in states like North Carolina, where many St. Tikhon’s parishioners reside. Several homes were submerged as the dam in the area broke, and one home was completely destroyed. Despite this devastation, the church building itself was spared, noted Father Matthew.

He shared that some parishioners managed to salvage only essential documents and religious icons. "People lost everything, and it was the church community that became their source of comfort and support during this difficult time," he said. In addition to temporary housing, St. Tikhon’s Church has been providing material and financial aid, including clothing, furniture, and food for the affected families.

Father Matthew also recalled that the hurricane struck on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. While most parishioners were found to be safe within the first 24 hours, locating an elderly couple took much longer. The couple was eventually discovered in their flooded home and brought to the church for care.

ROCOR dioceses across the U.S. have launched fundraising campaigns to assist the victims, with donations being used to rebuild homes and supply those left without heating and electricity with essential resources ahead of winter. Thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers who helped clear roads and deliver water, food, and medical supplies to flooded areas, many families were safely evacuated and received much-needed aid.