Episcopal Press and News

Virginia Supports Armenian Relief

Episcopal News Service. January 12, 1989 [89005A]

NEW YORK (DPS, Jan. 12) -- On December 23, 1988, the Rt. Rev. Peter James Lee, Bishop of Virginia, sent a check for $15,000 to the Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief to aid efforts on behalf of the people of Soviet Armenia. The check represented a special offering made by the people of the diocese.

Immediately following the December earthquake in Armenia, Lee contacted all parishes in his diocese and asked that on Sunday, December 11, congregations offer prayers for the victims of the quake; he also indicated that financial contributions might also be made through the diocesan office in Richmond. By December 23, Lee's office had received $15,000 for Armenian relief; individuals and parishes also had the option of sending donations directly to the Presiding Bishop's Fund.

In a letter to the Rt. Rev. Furman Stough of the Presiding Bishop's Fund, Lee wrote, "This check represents the outpouring of special gifts throughout the Diocese of Virginia. We send it with our prayers for the Armenian people and with thanksgiving for the role of the Presiding Bishop's Fund in meeting their needs."