Fundraiser to provide motorbikes for Kenyan clergy reaches 225% of goal!
CHICAGO, IL [MW Diocese Communications] — The fund drive to purchase motorbikes for Orthodox Christian clergy in Kenya, sponsored by the Diocese of the Midwest in partnership with the Orthodox Christian Mission Center [OCMC], realized donations of $22,538.00 — 225% of the initial $10,000.00 goal — through the end of January 2016.
With the blessing of His Grace, Bishop Paul, the drive had been initiated November 15, 2015. [See related story.] At the time, Bishop Paul noted that with some 250 priests serving the Archdiocese of Kenya — many of whom minister to multiple communities, some of which are extremely remote and only accessible by foot or motorbike — the distance between communities and the lack of transportation present serious obstacles in serving the faithful regularly.
Special recognition is offered to the “top giving” parishes whose faithful collected and donated a minimum of $1,000.00 to the drive. Holy Resurrection Church, Palatine, IL, donated $2,189.00, while Saint Demetrius Church, Jackson, MI contributed $2,000.00. Saints Cyril and Methodius Church, Milwaukee, and Holy Theophany Chapel, Williams Bay, WI combined efforts to raise $1,800.00. Saint Gregory of Nyssa Church, Columbus, OH contributed $1,350.00, and Saint John of Kronstadt Church, Lincoln, NE collected $1,200.00. Donations of $1,000.00 each were received from Saint Nicholas Church, Joliet, IL; Saint Luke Church, Palos Hills, IL; Holy Trinity Church, Parma, OH; Saint Paul Church, Dayton, OH; Saint Stephen Church, Lima, OH; and Holy Transfiguration Church, Livonia, MI. Bishop Paul personally contributed $1,400.00. Additional donations will be acknowledged as they are received
Bishop Paul will present a check to OCMC’s Father Martin Ritsi at the Chicago Team Chicago dinner, slated to be held at Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, 2350 East Dempster Street, Des Plaines, IL on Thursday, March 10, 2016. [See related story.]
