LOMBARD, IL –
Hundreds of clergy and lay volunteers across the Midwest transformed a single day of service into a powerful celebration of Christ-centered philanthropy, delivering more than 61,400 meals to vulnerable families and individuals across six states.
On Meatfare Sunday, February 15, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago inaugurated its annual Project HOPE Sunday, a coordinated, multi-parish day of service that brought together members of the Church to serve their neighbors in need.
Approximately 630 volunteers from 29 parishes mobilized simultaneously across the Metropolis, assembling and distributing more than 2,300 bags of food and hot meals to local shelters and food pantries supporting families facing food insecurity. Each meal bag provides 30 – 45 meals.
Project HOPE began in 2020 as a grassroots response to the global pandemic. Since then, it has grown into a cornerstone ministry of the Metropolis, helping parishes translate faith into actin through organized acts of service in their local communities.
“We are humbled by the response of our parishes and overjoyed to have realized such a powerful model for future action”, said Yanni Sianis, Chairman of Project HOPE. “Delivering more than 60,000 meals in a single day is just the beginning. It is clear that Project HOPE is capable of doing so much more for our communities”.
Project HOPE Sunday was initiated to encourage local parishes to mobilize volunteers while building meaningful relationships with nearby food pantries and charitable organizations, strengthening both outreach and community connections.
“On Project HOPE Sunday, we witnessed our parishes putting faith into action”, said His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago. “Our calling is not simply to feed the hungry, but to receive every person with the love God has for them. When we do this, those we serve are no longer strangers—they become part of our family, and the household of Christ is revealed and strengthened through their presence”.
The Metropolis of Chicago extended its heartfelt gratitude to the donors, organizers, volunteers, and drivers who made this effort possible.
To learn more or support future initiatives, visit chicago.goarch.org/ministry/hope.
