The Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of the Americas is preparing assistance for families affected by the earthquake that struck Colombia on 10 August 2026, Metropolitan Nicolae announced.
Representatives of the Metropolis have begun efforts to identify the concrete needs of the communities affected by the earthquake in Colombia. Through Fr Daniel Adrian Ene, diocesan vicar and delegate for Latin America, contacts have been initiated with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cali and with representatives of the authorities and competent institutions in Valle del Cauca.
“We await the assessment of these needs so that, in the days and weeks ahead, the Romanian Orthodox Metropolia of the Americas may provide financial support and material assistance, according to our means, to the families affected by this tragedy,” Metropolitan Nicolae emphasised.
His Eminence noted that support will also continue through the “Alimentos de Amor” (Food of Love) social and charitable programme, which has already been active for several years in Orthodox communities in Colombia:
“In the coming period, we want this ministry to extend its embrace to the communities now bearing the wounds of the earthquake.”
“The Gospel first asks us to see the human person”
The Metropolitan of the Americas stressed that assistance will be offered without regard to religious affiliation.
“We do not ask what faith the person who weeps professes, nor to which Church the family that has lost its home belongs. In the face of suffering, the Gospel asks us first of all to see the human person.”
His Eminence noted that the suffering of the Colombian people is also felt by the Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of the Americas, which has communities in Barranquilla and Bucaramanga. So far, these communities have not reported any casualties or material damage.
The Church stands with the Colombian people
Metropolitan Nicolae urged the clergy and faithful of the Metropolis to keep the Colombian people in their prayers and to support, according to their means, the relief efforts that will be carried out in cooperation with local partners.
“In these difficult days, we want our brothers and sisters in Colombia to know one simple thing: they are not alone. From afar, yet with a heart that over these years has drawn ever closer to this country, the Romanian Orthodox Church in the Americas stands with the Colombian people,” the Metropolitan said in conclusion.
According to the latest figures, approximately 290 people have died, more than 140 remain missing, and 4,200 have been injured following the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck western Colombia. The highest number of casualties was recorded in Cali and Pereira, where homes, churches, schools, and hospitals were damaged or destroyed.
Photo: UNFPA
