McKinney, Texas, September 30, 2025
Photo: orthodoxcrowdfunding.com
Commonwealth, a new Orthodox crowdfunding platform, is having a direct impact upon Orthodox families facing financial hardship around the country.
With God’s help, hundreds of small donations from individuals have amounted to $45,000 in giving in about two months. These funds have been used to provide previously inaccessible medical care, housing, a mobility scooter, and a number of other basic necessities that have helped shoulder the burden of those suffering under the weight of medical and financial stress.
Background
Commonwealth was started by a layman named Joseph Gleason, a small business owner living outside of Dallas, Texas. Joseph volunteers to fundraise and maintain the platform and doesn’t receive a cent for any work done whatsoever. All proceeds go directly to beneficiaries aside from unavoidable processing fees.
“Almsgiving is a pillar of Orthodox spirituality, yet for many living in middle-class suburbs in America, it can be difficult to encounter people in need. We hope to bridge that gap through our platform and help people experience the profound spiritual benefit of almsgiving.”
— Joseph Gleason, President/Founder
“We recognized the absence of a true pan-Orthodox platform, one rooted in trust and mutual care. Commonwealth gives members of the Church a place to carry one another’s burdens, where gifts provide both help and the assurance that we are part of a living community.”
— Tom Sietsema, Vice President
Verification Process
At Commonwealth, every campaign is personally verified through direct contact with local Orthodox clergy who know the individuals in need. This step ensures that requests are authentic and are blessed by a priest. Unlike anonymous online fundraisers, this process gives donors confidence that their almsgiving is directed toward genuine needs and helps ensure transparency. By adding this feature, Commonwealth hopes to continue to build trust and strong social ties among the Orthodox online and in person.
Other Challenges Addressed
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Proximity – Orthodox Christians are one of the most educated and wealthy Christian demographics in America and therefore may not be in close proximity to others facing financial hardship. Commonwealth bridges that gap through its online platform.
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Limited parish resources – Even the most generous parishes cannot always meet large, unexpected financial needs of their members.
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Ineffective online fundraising – Many faithful post their needs on GoFundMe or similar sites, but without strong social media networks, those campaigns often fail.
Impact Stories
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Ephraim has been struggling with significant pain caused by a broken tailbone which has prevented him from working. Prior to the campaign, they were facing the possibility of not being able to pay rent and for other essential items.
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Donations funded specialized care with a specialist, helping Ephraim find relief from debilitating migraines and coccyx pain.
Photo: orthodoxcrowdfunding.com
Nick was a rancher who acquired a life-threatening infection by a simple hay scratch but spread throughout his body. He has not qualified for disability benefits, and although his wife works at Walmart, they have barely been able to survive.
Donations provided the following:
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Monthly prescription medication
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A mobility scooter for independence
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Car repairs and fuel
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Groceries
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Medical bills
Photo: orthodoxcrowdfunding.com
Seraphim Fimmel is an Orthodox Christian living in the Philippines, battling a degenerative lung disease (Advanced COPD) that is shortening his life and is increasingly taking away his ability to work. As a result, he and his wife Genevieve are facing a daily struggle to acquire essential healthcare, food, and utilities. His situation is quite dire.
We have personally verified Seraphim’s needs by contacting local clergy who have vouched for Seraphim and support this effort:
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Hieromonk Korniliy (Molev) – Secretary of the Philippine -Vietnamese Diocese (Moscow Patriarchate)
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Rt. Rev. Abbot Theodore (Phillips) – The Orthodox Monastery of Our Lady and Saint Laurence (Cañon City, CO)
A Sustainable Solution
It is difficult to imagine a way forward for Seraphim and his family without reestablishing a reliable source of income. Commonwealth aims to help Seraphim purchase a minivan to restart his taxi business which would provide long-term stability.
The St. John of Kronstadt Society is a fellowship of Orthodox Christians dedicated to promoting almsgiving in their local communities. Members serve as advocates for people in need on the Commonwealth platform. They do this by spreading the word in their parishes, organizing fundraisers, and promoting campaigns online. The goal of the society is to help build a culture of generosity among the Orthodox faithful in the spirit of St. John who lived out this virtue so beautifully.
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