April 17, 2025
Gathering food donations at the ROCOR cathedral in London. Photo: orthodox-europe.org
As we move towards Holy Pascha, Orthodox Churches across Europe are intensifying their philanthropic activities to help the needy during this sacred season. These charitable initiatives reflect the heightened emphasis on almsgiving and compassion that characterizes the Orthodox Lenten journey toward Pascha.
Macedonian Orthodox Church-Ohrid Archbishopric
The Eleusa Foundation of the Strumica Diocese distributed humanitarian food packages to over 200 families. This extensive campaign, supported by numerous local businesses and prepared in just one day by dedicated volunteers, reached families in need throughout seven municipalities including Strumica, Berovo, and Pehchevo. The Foundation emphasized that its mission depends on community compassion and business social responsibility.
Ukrainian Orthodox Church
Volunteers from the Chernivtsi-Bukovina Diocese delivered 11 tons of humanitarian aid to the Holy Dormition-Svyatogorsk Lavra on April 15. The collection effort included donations from Bukovina residents, other Ukrainian regions, and believers from Belgium, Germany, and Poland. The aid contained 24,000 eggs, baking ingredients, food supplies, cleaning products, hygiene items, rain gear, and special Pascha packages for children, with volunteers also delivering supplies to the Holy Protection Convent in Lyman and the St. John of Shanghai Skete in Adamovka.
Russian Orthodox Church
Volunteers from the Synodal Department for Church Charity and Social Service have repaired 427 homes of elderly and disabled people in war zones including Mariupol, Donetsk, and other cities. The project involved 1,624 volunteers from across Russia, including professionals from various fields, international participants, and volunteers ranging from 10 to 85 years old. Volunteers perform various repairs without requiring special skills, with the Synodal Department providing free meals, accommodation, and transportation from Moscow.
Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia
Over the weekend of Palm Sunday, the Diocese of Great Britain and Western Europe’s London Cathedral foodbank carried forward its operations and distributed boxes of food to those in need.
Romanian Orthodox Church
Romanian Orthodox faithful from Spain and Portugal are supporting disadvantaged children in the Alba Iulia Archdiocese through a new collaboration agreement. The first installment of $5,060 (€4,700) has already been transferred to the Filantropia Ortodoxă Alba Iulia association, which will provide school scholarships, supplies, clothing, warm meals, and medical and psychological support to children in need.
The Social Mission Diaconia of the Metropolis of Bessarabia (Moldova) collected 93.7 tons of food for the Table of Joy program on Sunday. This year, a record amount of food products—189,350 pounds—was donated to support elderly people living in solitude and poverty. The collected food will be used to prepare hot meals for beneficiaries of social canteens and parish centers within the Metropolis of Bessarabia, as well as Pascha food packages. The campaign involved 1,200 volunteers.
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