Wildfires have consumed parts of the Greek mainland and several islands this week, destroying property, causing widespread damage and forcing over tens of thousands of people to evacuate. The Diocese in Europe has six chaplaincies throughout Greece, in Athens, Corfu, Crete, Voula and Thessaloniki. 

Revd Jules Wilson, Chaplain at Holy Trinity Church in Corfu, describes the current extreme contrasts in island life saying “It is a strange time. When you hear the water planes overhead you are wondering is it going to be our village who is going to be evacuated?” As all of that drama is played out on one side of the mountain, on the other side, the summer continues” 

Over one hundred firefighters are reported to be on the front lines, including a team of fifty from Bulgaria. A son of a member of Holy Trinity who was fighting the fires was hospitalised for exhaustion and dehydration after battling the flames. The task is ongoing and exhausting for those involved. 

There are other stories of firefighters and officials getting cut off and having to walk through burning areas to get to a place of safety and where they could continue their work. People continue to put their lives in harms way for those on the island. 

The chaplaincy is praying that people in authority, and those on the front lines, will have wisdom and a heart of service, which has been shown in spades already according to Jules. He is also praying for those directly affected by the fires, that they find comfort and strength; and for those whose livelihoods depend on tourism, that the impact on them is kept to a minimum. 

“I think that faithfulness and prayer have huge consequences,” said Jules and he appealed for everyone to pray for rain. He explained that Spyridon, the Patron Saint of Corfu, and our Orthodox brothers and sisters prayed for rain in the midst of a great drought many years ago. It did rain, and they still commemorate the event with an annual procession. 

Amidst the devastation and anxiety on Corfu, Jules said there is a lot of thankfulness too. One fire was contained just before it reached a primary school, and another front was directed towards the sea. As of Thursday, fires on Corfu have been brought under control. 

Like many churches in the Church of England across the Diocese in Europe, Holy Trinity works closely with local charities, including the Red Cross. Jules has been in touch with them, and although the situation is constantly changing, they have emergency supplies in place for the north of the island but have requested that the church continue to deliver weekly fresh food. 

For people in the vicinity of Holy Trinity, Corfu – the church has a Safe Space listening service for those who are anxious, contact Jules directly for more information. 

Jules talked with the BBC today (Thursday 27 July) about the situation in Corfu. The interview will be aired on local BBC programmes across the UK, so listen out for it. He also spoke with Christian radio station, TWR, which can be viewed via this link.