The Metropolitan Council of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) has issued a resolution expressing concern over the approaching Hurricane Milton. The statement was published on the OCA's website following the Council’s fall meeting, chaired by His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon.

The Council members offered their support to the residents of Florida, which is in the path of Hurricane Milton. Even before the hurricane reaches Florida, heavy rains are expected along the coast, likely leading to landslides and flooding. The hierarchs of the American Church called on all believers to pray that the Lord, "who commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him" (Luke 8:25), may show mercy to those in the path of the storm and protect lives and property from destruction.

Hurricane Milton is projected to be one of the most destructive in history. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has already warned of potential large-scale changes to Florida’s coastline due to dune erosion and coastal flooding. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the storm's winds are reaching 250 km/h, and it continues to pose an "extreme threat" as it approaches the shore.

In light of the imminent danger, U.S. President Joe Biden declared a state of emergency in Florida on October 7, ordering federal assistance for local authorities. Residents have been warned of a potential storm surge of up to 4.5 meters, along with the risk of tornadoes. Authorities have also announced a large-scale evacuation, with mandatory orders for 5.9 million residents of 11 counties to leave their homes.