The rapid spread of COVID-19, resulting in millions of infections and deaths around the world, as well as economic devastation prompted OCMC to act. Thanks to an outpouring of support from donors, the Orthodox Christian Mission Center was able to assist the brothers and sisters in the mission field who were among those hit the hardest.
Funds have been distributed to dioceses that include over 30 countries around the world. These funds will help them cover their expenses – including paying their priests and providing support to their orphanages and other local ministries. In its announcement, the Orthodox Christian Mission Center said that it was already hearing about the tremendous impact, both financial and spiritual, that these efforts were having.
Metropolitan Seraphim of Zimbabwe and Angola stated: “We are so grateful for this initiative of OCMC as many people, especially orphans and needy children, are without any food even bread and margarine and clean water.” He also asked them to thank Fr. Ritsi and the whole team of OCMC, the donors, and the Holy Bishops of the Orthodox Church in the USA for their important assistance.
Archbishop Petros of Accra in Ghana said that he was reassured by you that our brethren in the OCMC and generally the faithful in the USA, even though they are experiencing the same situation with regard to the pandemic, would rally to assist us as much as possible.”
Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden and All Scandinavia said: “We find that God’s Grace is most evident at a time when we are financially strapped and trying to recover from the havoc wreaked by this pandemic. I believe that your letter was a manifestation of this divine grace, which we humbly and faithfully rely upon to do our service. Therefore, I heartily extend to you and your colleagues my deepest gratitude and thank you on behalf of all my fellow collaborators in the Lord’s vineyard.”
Source: Orthodox Observer