June 17, 2013
San German, PR:
Metropolitan Hilarion will travel with Volunteers in Mission to
Puerto Rico
On November 2-11, a group from the Volunteers in Mission (VIM)
Program will travel to Puerto Rico for a work week at the
parish of
San Juan Climaco (St. John of the Ladder) in San German. The project
is being organized with the blessing of the First Hierarch of the
Russian Church Abroad, His Eminence Hilarion, Metropolitan of
Eastern America & New York, and at the invitation of parish rector
Priest Gregorio Justiniano.
The main purpose of the trip is to help the mission parish prepare
for an inaugural fiesta on Sunday, November 10th. "This fiesta will
officially introduce the parish to the surrounding community by
incorporating various aspects of the native culture – food, music,
language, art, etc." said VIM director Archpriest John Moses. "It
will be a vehicle to let the town of San German know that Orthodoxy
has arrived on the western side of the island, where immigrants of
Orthodox descent are very scarce," Fr. Gregorio added.
The upcoming trip will not only assist the parish through physical
labor, but, in the words of Fr. John, it will also be an opportunity
for missionary work: "The work will not be taxing or difficult, but
it will help the parish to fulfill its mission of spreading the
Orthodox Faith to the Puerto Rican people."
The festivities will be led by Metropolitan Hilarion, who also plans
to participate in the VIM project.
"With God’s help, I hope to take part in the work effort, and
encourage our dedicated volunteers and the faithful of Puerto Rico,"
said Metropolitan Hilarion. "If we come together and help our
brothers and sisters in Christ, especially with their missionary
efforts, then our Church will flourish and grow."
The schedule of events for VIM members will not only include work
projects at the parish, but also time to get acquainted with the
local culture. "There will also be trips to surrounding sites, and
team members will have an opportunity to become familiar with life
in Puerto Rico. In the evenings, we will have various programs on
spiritual life," explained Fr. John.
Registration is open to both men and women 16 years of age and
older. Visas and passports are not needed. Knowledge or proficiency
in Spanish is helpful, but not required.
While there is no set fee for this event, team members are encouraged
to raise donations from their parishioners and family members to
cover the cost of airfare, meals, and materials.
Space is currently limited to 10-12 team members. Those who are
interested in participating, should fill out the VIM application
(located here) and mail it to V. Rev. John Moses 3648 Middlebrook
Village Road, Middlebrook, VA 24459.
Filling out the form does not commit you to the trip, but
simply shows that you are interested. Specific and detailed
information will be sent out after the application is received.
Click here to donate to the VIM program:
Republication of materials must include a reference to:
"Eastern American Diocese www.eadiocese.org."
Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese
