Orthodox Detroit Outreach initiates 24/7 outdoor food pantry at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral


Orthodox Detroit Outreach initiates 24/7 outdoor food pantry at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral

DETROIT, MI [MW Diocese Communications] — Inspired in part by the example of Saint Maria Skobtsova of Paris, the patron saint of Orthodox Detroit Outreach ministries, a 24/7 outdoor food pantry has been established at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral here as a means of further expending the ministries’ loving service to the parish’s neighbors.

Orthodox Detroit Outreach initiates 24 7 outdoor food pantry at SS Peter and Paul Cathedral“Each week, flowing from the heavenly Banquet of Sunday Divine Liturgy, our Sunday afternoon neighborhood meal provides a continued celebration of divine love with our neighbors in need,” said Archpriest Paul Albert, cathedral Rector.  “Hundreds of volunteers from surrounding Orthodox parishes devote thousands of hours each year, sharing the joy and blessings of our ‘Feast of Faith’ with our neighbors.

“Serving Christ in our neighbors in such a simple, direct and meaningful way each week is for us a ‘school’ of practical, incarnational theology,” added Father Paul.  “Through this medium, the Holy Spirit warms our hearts, inspires us, and compels us to fuller measures of service.  In this spirit, in seeing the need to extend help beyond our regular ‘hours of operation,’ one of our ministry leaders, Matthew McCroskery, was inspired to build and install the 24/7 outdoor pantry — which enhances a similar kiosk in our community garden that provides a lending library full of books for neighborhood adults and children.”

The pantry’s presence makes it possible for neighbors in need to obtain food literally “around the clock.”

A video highlighting this simple yet effective outreach ministry may be viewed on the cathedral’s Facebook page.

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