This post was originally published on this site

The wooden church at the Monastery of the Holy Ascension here on Friday, August 12, 2016.

According to Archpriest John Jillions, Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America, His Eminence, Archbishop Nathaniel of Detroit and the Romanian Episcopate and Archdeacon David Oancea visited the monastery upon learning of the tragedy from His Grace, Bishop Ireneu.  Initial reports indicate that seven fire companies battled to contain the fire, which completely destroyed the church.  The cause of the blaze is under investigation.  No one was injured.

Upon learning of the fire, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon requested the faithful to keep the monastery brotherhood in their prayers.

Additional information and details will be posted as they are received.