In Christ’s teaching, almsgiving goes together with fasting and prayer. We have seen that this is also the teaching of Isaiah (See Fasting) and of the Old Testament generally. When one prays and fasts, one must show love through active generosity to others.
According to Saint John Chrysostom, no one can be saved without giving alms and without caring for the poor. Saint Basil the Great says that a man who has two coats or two pair of shoes, when his neighbor has none, is a thief. All earthly things are the possessions of God.
“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell in it” (Ps 24.1). Men are but stewards of what belongs to the Lord and should share the gifts of His creation with one another as much as they can. To store up earthly possessions, according to Christ, is the epitome of foolishness, and a rich man shall hardly be saved (cf. Lk 12.15–21).
The human heart is in the most need especially of the healing touch of Jesus. Many don’t have in person contact with the fullness of the Good News of Jesus Christ in the form of a local Orthodox Church Parish with a full time Priest or even a Deacon for a reader service. Many Priests and Deacons work unrealistic bi-vocational hours to share the love of Jesus. We can bring relief.
Support Orthodox Missions in Year of Grace 2024!
Share The Faith ~ with ~
“Orthodox Christian Missions to America” (OCMA) ~ a Campaign to Heal Hearts
A mission priest was recently asked, “How can we spread Orthodoxy in the United States?” He replied, “Keep doing what we have been doing for 2,000 years, but tell more Americans about it.” It really is that simple. But also, that complicated. Why? Because many Americans who are interested in Orthodoxy live hours away from the closest Orthodox parish. Orthodoxy needs more mission parishes. In those mission parishes, we need priests serving at the altars. Unfortunately, funding missions and mission priests has proven challenging for Orthodox jurisdictions.
Orthodox missions frequently start with little to no financial support. During the early growth years, Orthodox mission priests often receive no salary, or a very limited one. Most have to work a secular job just to support their families, while still tending to the needs of their flocks. Far too many mission priests never have a day off, or even a good night’s sleep. Share the Faith is the only pan-Orthodox organization dedicated to funding mission priests, and their missions, to give them the support they need to preach the Gospel to all Americans. Can you spare just $100 (or more) to help mission priests make 2024 the year Orthodoxy really catches fire in America?
More Mission Priest Support Available!
Share the Faith is currently raising funds to support additional mission priests! Please encourage all priests whose parishes are unable to support them in their ministries to apply today. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis as applications are received and funds are raised. Today is the day to transform America!
Despite hundreds of years of Orthodox Christianity in North America…
At least 98% of the citizens Canada and America are unaware of the benefits and spiritual treasures available in Christ’s Holy Catholic and Apostolic Orthodox Church. Clearly, we are not following the Great Commission effectively, nor are we following in the footsteps of great Orthodox missionary saints, including those who served on this continent.
To effectively evangelize, Orthodoxy in America and Canada needs mission parishes and full-time priests serving them. Even when a priest is lucky to have a mission parish, the parish is often unable to provide a livable salary. Countless Orthodox clergy who could missionize our fellow citizens are busy working secular jobs (often times, very low paying) just to put bread on the table. Unless we can do a better job funding missions, we will never fulfill the will of Christ.
How Can We Bring Christ to Our Neighbors?
Share the Faith Ministries Orthodox Missionary Priest Fund of North America is a non-profit, Pan-Orthodox organization dedicated to leading people to Orthodoxy through raising monies to supplement Orthodox clergy who serve very small or needy parishes.
Your donations allow Share the Faith to bridge the financial gap by making Missionary Priest grants available to good priests so they may reach the spiritually hungry. Your assistance will allow us to help supplement the income of Orthodox pastors and their families who would be happy to:
- Serve needy parishes worthy of assistance,
- Start missions
- Work on behalf of already established parishes.
Your donations to Share the Faith builds missions by making Missionary Priest grants available to good priests so they may fulfill the will of Christ. With more fulltime clergy, we can support more parishes. Without robust parish life, there is no Holy Orthodoxy!
Click here to find out more about our mission and all the ways you can help spread the Gospel
Ready to help fund missions in North America? Donate below.
Ancient Faith Radio gave Share the Faith Director, Fr Evangelos Pepps, an opportunity to discuss Orthodox mission work in the US. How can we share the faith effectively and establish more Orthodox missions? 
