Food For Hungry People Appeal
Great Fast, 2019
TO BE READ FROM THE PULPIT AND PRINTED IN THE BULLETIN
Beloved in the Lord,
Greetings to you in the Name of Our Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ!
As we begin this most holy time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, let us turn our attention once again to the Food for Hungry People and Charitable Outreach Program of our Archdiocese. Over the span of forty-five years, this campaign has had a tremendous impact throughout the world, helping to alleviate the suffering and hunger caused by poverty, war, and numberless tragedies. Today, we see humanitarian disasters ensuing from the recent wars abroad, numerous natural disasters, and global economic instability, and we depend now more than ever on your support to help the victims of these man-made and natural tragedies.
St. John Chrysostom, perhaps the greatest preacher in the history of the Church, once said: “Although fasting is more difficult than this, nothing is so strong and powerful to extinguish the fire of our sins as almsgiving. It is greater than all other virtues. It places its lovers by the side of the King Himself, and justly. For the effect of fasting is confined to those who fast, and no other is saved thereby. But almsgiving extends to all, embracing the members of Christ, and actions that extend their effects to many are far greater than those which are confined to one.” Through your generosity to the Food for Hungry People campaign, you embrace the world with the love of Christ, saving yourself as you work to save others.
We urge you, during this season of prayer, self-discipline and fasting, to be very generous in your contribution to this campaign. As we practice the virtues that cleanse our souls, let us not forget or refrain from the “greatest of the virtues.” As important as prayer and fasting are, they are of no avail to us if we fail to give to those in need.
Asking the Almighty God to bless you during this journey to Pascha, I remain,
Your Father in Christ,
+JOSEPH
Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America
2019 RESOURCES (PDF format)
FFHP Brochure
His Eminence Metropolitan JOSEPH'S letter
New Information Letter
Fundraising Ideas
New Bulletin Inserts
Give in Honor of a Loved One
FFHP Calendar
FOOD FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE
In the autumn of 1974, an international conference was convened in Rome, Italy, to formulate a program aimed at alleviating world hunger. The members of SOYO, compelled by their love of God and His creation, met in Wichita, Kansas the following winter and unanimously adopted a program which would afford every individual in our Archdiocese an opportunity to personally help bring food to their hungry brothers and sisters throughout the world. Presented by Archpriest James Meena of blessed memory, the first, "FOOD FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE" campaign was planned for the Great Lent of 1975.
Through your generosity and prayers, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been distributed to the hungry and poor in the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe. All of the funds collected have been used to meet the needs of hungry people.
WAYS TO GIVE
You can give your gifts to the hungry in honor of a loved one on any occasion such as a birthday, baptism, anniversary, thank you, retirement or any other special event. “A Gift from the Heart” is also a thoughtful memorial. We will send a personalized icon card to the person you designate to inform them of the gift you gave in their honor.
Download all resources below: The Metropolitan's Letter, introductory brochure, a calendar for daily activities, informational letter, fund raising ideas, and bulletin inserts.
You may also give by sending a check along with a personalized donation form (PDF) to:
“Food For Hungry People”
c/o Robin Lynn Nicholas
4237 Dundee Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
robinFFHP@aol.com