Antiochian Women Project “Hungry Children at Home Abroad’

 At the 52nd Archidocesan Convention in Boston, His Eminence Metropolitan JOSEPH announced the Antiochian Women’s Project for this year: HUNGRY CHILDREN AT HOME AND ABROAD.

This project will leverage the hard work and determination of our Antiochian Women to address one of the most pressing global tragedies, one which is exacerbated by war and poverty, and which is felt most acutely by children.

 His Eminence recognizes the fact that millions of children go hungry each day as a result of poverty, war and displacement. The future stability of societies is directly affected when the growth of bodies and minds of children are stunted and weakened by malnutrition.

 In 2013, in America alone, 1.58 million children lived in food-insecure households (FeedAmerica.org); and globally 66 million primary school children attend classes hungry (worldhunger.org). 

This year the Antiochian Women are tasked with raising money to help feed hungry children here in our country and elsewhere in the world. ‘Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his deed’ (Proverbs 19:17).

 It is good to be reminded that the sincerity of our Christian Faith will be measured by The LORD at the Last Day by how we respond to those who are in need in the world around us. In the following passage, the first measure of our godliness is evidenced by how we respond to those who are hungry:

 ‘Then the Kind will say to those at his right hand, “Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink? And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee? And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?” And the King will answer them, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me”’ (Matthew 25:34-40). 

On behalf of the North American Board of the Antiochian Women, I urge you to download the promotional poster and begin to plan projects and events that will raise these much-needed funds. The Antiochian Women organizations in each of our parishes and missions will sponsor fundraising projects, but each of us should ask ourselves how we can reach beyond the walls of our churches to raise monies for this most urgent cause. Every dollar is important; every person can make a real difference in alleviating the suffering of a starving child. 

Also remember that March is “Antiochian Women’s Month”. Fundraising efforts will intensify then, but we ask you to start planning and fundraising for this Project now. Most importantly, everyone in the parish—men, women, and children—should know about the Project and become an active participant in this effort. Please help as much as you are able.

 Thank you,
 Kh. Suzanne Murphy
 Vice President of the North American Board & NAB Project Coordinator