On Sunday, September 14, the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine will open its doors not just for worship, but for service. Parishioners, families, and volunteers will gather to prepare and distribute meals to the homeless, living out the Gospel through action and love.

The evening will begin at 6:00 pm on the 3rd Floor of St. Nicholas, where volunteers will cook, pack, and pray over the meals. At 7:30 pm, the meals will be delivered to designated locations across the city, where men, women, and children in need will be waiting.

This initiative reflects the call of Christ Himself:

“For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in.” (Matthew 25:35)

Volunteers are still needed — not only to help with cooking and packing but also to drive and deliver meals. Vehicles play a vital role in reaching those who are waiting in different parts of the city.

The outreach highlights a central truth of Orthodox Christian faith: that the Church is not confined to the walls of the sanctuary but is most alive when serving those at the margins. It also underscores the importance of the Greek Orthodox diaspora, who continue to embody the values of philanthropia (love of humanity) and filoxenia (hospitality) in their adopted homelands.

Organizers emphasize that anyone in the community can take part. “This is not just about giving food,” one volunteer noted. “It’s about giving dignity, hope, and human connection. It’s about seeing Christ in every person.”

Those wishing to help can sign up at the link below and choose how they would like to contribute:
Sign Up Here

The effort is a moving example of how the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine, a symbol of resilience and faith, continues to serve both as a place of worship and as a beacon of compassion in the heart of New York City.