Faith in Action: A Shared Ministry of Service
During the May National Philoptochos Board Meeting, 55 members of the National Philoptochos Board gathered with His Grace, Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos, at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Troy, Michigan. In appreciation for the parish’s generous hospitality—and recognizing their existing relationship with FOCUS Detroit—the National Philoptochos Board chose to participate in a local service project to make a meaningful impact. Together, they assembled 200 hygiene kits and 200 snack bags for children and families in need. 400 acts of love, ready for distribution through FOCUS Detroit’s “Outfitted for Good” free store.
This effort was more than just an afternoon of service—it was a meaningful opportunity for two Orthodox Christian organizations to come together in a shared spirit of compassion and outreach. Rooted in the same tradition of caring for our neighbors with dignity and love, Philoptochos and FOCUS North America each serve distinct roles in addressing the needs of others. Philoptochos promotes charitable, benevolent, and philanthropic outreach through the Church on both local and national levels, while FOCUS North America unites Orthodox Christians to serve the hungry, unhoused, and working poor across the country through food, clothing, shelter, job training, and other essential services.
This service opportunity was inspired by the host parish’s connection to FOCUS Detroit and Philoptochos’ shared values of compassion, dignity, and Orthodox Christian outreach. This experience underscored both FOCUS North America and National Philoptochos’ mission to serve our neighbors and uplift those in need.
FOCUS is deeply grateful to the National Philoptochos for their support in Detroit with the assembled items, which will provide essential support to local families. For National Philoptochos, this project was a meaningful way to live out their mission and extend Christ’s love during their time in Detroit. Their generous hands and open hearts will make a real impact on families served by FOCUS Detroit in the weeks to come.
As Orthodox Christians, we are all called to recognize Christ in every person. Through moments like this—when national ministries collaborate locally—we live into the fullness of that call as a united Church.
Get Involved:
Inspired by this project? Your parish, Philoptochos chapter, or youth group can partner with FOCUS North America to host a similar service event in your own community. Whether it’s hygiene kits, snack bags, back-to-school supplies, or clothing drives, FOCUS can help you make a lasting impact on families in need.To learn more or start planning your own outreach project, email us at JavaScript required to view address, or participate in our Backpack Program, which runs from May to September every year. Learn more about it at www.focusna.org/backpacks.
