2007 "Tree of Blessings" Project Announced

With Christmas Lent having already begun, the National Board is pleased to announce the 2nd annual “Tree of Blessings” Charity Project to help those in need.  While we should always do everything we can to help those less fortunate, we hope each of our chapters will join us in this special effort at this festive time.

This year's designated charity to which the proceeds will be sent is the Saint Herman's Orthodox House of Hospitality in Cleveland, Ohio.  St. Herman's is a small Orthodox monastery for men in inner-city Cleveland known especially for its ministry to the homeless for over 20 years  Their mission is to serve people in need and to preach the Gospel through action, primarily helping indigent men (although homeless women and children also partake of the meals) by feeding and clothing them, as well as providing emotional support and access to health and social services.  The monastery averages 84,000 meals and 17,000 showers per year; 35 men can be housed per night, with an average stay of two weeks.

Last year, the first for this project, our chapters raised $500 which was sent to the Orthodox Christian Missions Center to be used specifically for the "Saint Dimitrie" Addiction Treatment Program in Romania.  We hope that this year's efforts will build on those of last year and we will again be able to provide assistance to a good and worthy ministry of the Church.

Information packages have been sent to each chapter president and sales will continue through January 6.  Click here to download the promotional flyer.

If you do not have an A.R.O.Y. chapter at your parish but would like to contribute to the "Tree of Blessings" Charity Project, please send your check (payable to National A.R.O.Y.) to: A.R.O.Y. "Tree of Blessings" Project, c/o 625 Centralia St., Dearborn Heights MI 48127.

We encourage chapters to share their activities with us by sending a short article, along with a few photos, to be posted on the A.R.O.Y. Website.  [Send information to photos@aroy.org]