October 21, 2024, Share the Faith Ministries received an update from Fr. Photios Parks, priest of St. Anthony the Great Orthodox Mission in Hendersonville, NC. Fr. Photios states that his mission is working to partner with local homeless shelters and funeral homes to serve those who have lost their home and property due to the destruction left by Hurricane Helene. He is also anticipating the unfortunate turn of events of an uptick of deaths due to the situation with the rise of homelessness, murder, drug overdose of individuals who will not have anyone to pray for them. Most of these individuals will not be Orthodox Christians, so he hopes to hold memorials and give thanks to God for their lives and pray for a blessed repose. St. Anthony’s mission is also now in the process of searching for burial property for the needs of their community.
As part of this service, they also hope to help with burial costs, which he and his mission are more than willing to do but along with serving the homeless needs, the funeral services, and the property, this will add an extra financial burden for them.
Please give to Share the Faith Ministries to help us provide more funding for Fr. Photios along with the other missions who are going through similar struggles to make ends meet and fulfillment Christ’s Commandment to serve the least of these in our society.
Brothers and sisters, it is difficult not to hearken back to Christ’s Parable in Matthew 25:31-46 where Christ soberly reminds us how we will be remembered on the Dread and Wonderful Judgement Day.
Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’
