DETROIT – As we near the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 “shelter in place” orders and business shut-downs in Michigan, the economic impact of the pandemic has radically affected churches in general and many Michigan Greek Orthodox Archdiocese (GOA) churches have been hard hit. GOA churches are locally owned and finances are managed by their parishioners.

With the pandemic, congregants are not attending services or giving to churches as they have in the past. In addition, churches that rely on fundraising programs, such as festivals, catering halls, and daycare centers, have lost important income supporting general operating expenses. At the same time, churches are called to find innovative new ways to continue important ministries for their parishioners and the greater community.

John Hatzis, AHEPA Omega Chapter 371 President, said, “recognizing the economic impact on the Michigan GOA churches, our Chapter wanted to help. We enlisted the assistance of our AHEPA District #10 leadership and received immediate support for a relief effort.”

Omega Chapter provided $13,650 in COVID relief funds to Michigan GOA churches, along with an additional $1,500 per church to be used for family support in five Detroit-area GOA parishes. AHEPA District #10 leadership engaged other Michigan AHEPA and affiliated Daughters of Penelope Chapters in the COVID relief support effort and a total of $25,300 was distributed to 13 GOA churches throughout Michigan in the first round of relief effort.

Left to right: His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit and Lazaros Kircos, VP, Chair Religious and Philanthropic Committee Chair, Finance Committee GOA. Photo: Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Detroit

AHEPA Omega Chapter 371 is now planning a second round of COVID relief funding of $1,000 per parish to Michigan GOA churches facing continuing financial challenges.

“During this time of pandemic, each parish and person has faced hardships unique to their situation, whether it be emotionally, spiritually, or financially,” said His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Detroit diocese. “I am especially grateful to AHEPA Omega Chapter for stepping up to help both parishes and people in need with financial and emotional support. As we wade through these waters together, we better understand the truth that love toward people and the person, Jesus Christ, is most important and will carry us through any difficulties we face."

AHEPA Omega Chapter 371 has distributed a total of $265,000 in charitable gifts since January of 2020 – $132,000 of those funds were directed toward local GOA church support. Other areas of giving include: youth scholarships, national Greek Orthodox and Hellenic organizations, and local community support. The organization also maintains an affordable, low-income senior housing facility in Harrison Township.