top

Orthodox Observer - June 5, 1997

Take care of our needs

Editor,

Since the stirring message His Eminence gave us at the March meeting of the combined Archdiocesan Council and National Philoptochos, I have thought often of the various problems of our church that we face together.

He said "to commit at levels... unparalleled and unimagined." He said "reaching non-Orthodox spouses and children in inter-faith marriages...are major priorities of our Church" and added later that "what you have given in the past in terms of time, treasure and talent, you will need to give more."

We are by nature a generous and caring people. In the past our church has made a great effort to support and outreach to many non-Orthodox hospitals, medical research and other related programs in major donations. We opened our hearts, shown compassion, and have been giving to such facilities across the United States.

While caring for others, hopefully, we have also realized that our own people have problems which are unattended and neglected. It is here we should stop to examine how and why this is happening. Are we budgeting funding for our own needs?

Although we pride ourselves in being a major denomination, we do not have the basic institutions for our people that others churches offer. For example, we do not have a hospital. We do not even have clinics in major cities. There are a scattering of senior citizens homes, with a huge need for more. How many counseling centers, day schools do we have? A few, but not enough.

There lies before us a wonderful opportunity to strengthen and solidify our own House. As the old proverb reminds us: "If we do not care for our own home it will fall and smother us." The stress from our increasingly complex world has resulted in our facing tremendous educational and social needs: single parents, teens, aged parents, divorce, separated families. They cry for help.

Let us acknowledge their pleas and organize our talented professionals. Let us make a commitment to provide for our people by creating Orthodox operated clinics and centers. By creating and supporting our own institutions, not only will we serve and care for our own people, but we also will provide an example and make a significant contribution to the community-at-large. When we are strong within ourselves we can then be of greater service to all others.

"Without a vision the people perish." May our vision embrace our people and may the financial support we give to church and affiliated organizations nourish and energize our own. Let us consolidate "time, treasure and talent" and go forward.

Helen L. Lambros

[ Orthodox Observer, Vol. 62 - No. 1130, June 5, 1997, p. 8 ]