Community Outreach

Outreach welcomes ‘observers’ to its February meeting

The Feb. 4 Community Outreach Ministry meeting was attended by Father Philemon and a group of “observers.” The visitors participated in the meeting to evaluate how our Outreach ministry efforts can be expanded. The Outreach Ministry was started in 2015 Father Philemon and Outreach chairman Jim Katsaros are seeking ways to further develop the Ministry.

Reinhart House — In February, our AHEPAns provided a barbeque supper for guests at the Evelyn D. Reinhart Guest House, which offers housing and meals to out-of-towners visiting loved ones at St. Mary’s Hospital’s intensive care unit. The meal was the 94^th month that our Cathedral family has served Reinhart House, going back to October 27, 2015. Greg Silvestri, our ministry champion for this outreach, said Cathedral organizations have signed up to prepare and deliver meals every month this year until September. If you or your organization would like to get on the sign-up list, please call Greg at (804) 288-1587.

Micah initiative / Support for LHJ Elementary — Krista Loucas reported that we provide monthly snacks for students at Lois Harrison Jones Elementary School. Various organizations take turns sponsoring the month.

Support for Homeless / Home Again — Krista also reported that HOPY/JOY made first-aid kits for the homeless, and parishioner Gus Kalevas dropped off the kits at Home Again, a nonprofit that assists individuals and families experiencing homelessness. In February, the students assembled ‘Grab and Go’ packs for the city’s Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, which operates a homeless facility. Richmond’s Community Resource manager John Van Zandt asked for donations of new or gently used sweatpants for men and women, as well as donations of new underwear.

Habitat for Humanity — The Cathedral family has been invited to Richmond Habitat for Humanity’s 40^th Anniversary celebration the week of May 11. One event of interest is the Project Playhouse, where volunteers will build a playhouse for the children of a Habitat partner family, with a design theme chosen by the family. If we decide to support this activity, with a cost of $2500, volunteers would be needed for each day. Father Philemon and parish council member Daniel Ellis said they would take up this matter with the parish council to determine whether the funds can be made available. There also are opportunities for Cathedral organizations and members to volunteer at job sites and at Habitat’s ReStore outlet. Please contact Katherine Bradley at (913) 314-8665 if you are interested in participating.

Blood Drive — A Red Cross blood drive has been tentatively scheduled at the Cathedral on August 11. More information to follow.

Orthodox Christian Mission Center — Kera Tomlin aims to raise awareness mission opportunities for Cathedral members. In support of this, a flyer was provided on OCMC Mission Sunday on February 22 with the goal of raising awareness and support. Kera also handed out Coin Boxes for children to collect loose change in support of OCMC.

College student support - There are up to five University of Richmond students who need rides from the university to attend Sunday services. Interested volunteers should call Calypso Bletsos at (804) 307-8146.

The next Community Outreach Ministry meeting is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, April 15 at 7 p.m. at the Cathedral. All parishioners are welcome to attend

Community Outreach Ministry Vision

To grow closer to the broader Richmond community through acts of service as a Cathedral family and, by this, unite us to Christ.

To achieve this Vision, we will:

Help build awareness of existing outreach activities at the Cathedral
Be a resource to facilitate involvement and participation of Cathedral parishioners in outreach activities
Serve as a sounding board for expanding the scope of volunteer outreach
Sponsor community-wide activities (outside existing organizations) targeted for the local community
Coordinate Cathedral response to national & international crisis/emergencies

Community Outreach Ministry Members:

Jim Katsaros, Chair / Parish Council Liaison

Tom Kazas, Co-Chair / Communications Director

Father Nicholas Bacalis, Sponsor / Inspiration

Key Ministry Champions:

Calypso Bletsos, College Student Ministry

John Bletsos, Companionship Ministry

Ruth Catherines, Philoptochos Liaison

Mark Chronis, IOCC Liaison: Emergency Supply Drives & Tennis Tournament / Fisher Guest House Meals

Gina Guinn, FeedMore / Food Drives

Elaine Hall, Clothing Supply Drives

Nikki Katsaros, ICU Comfort Kits