Pittsburgh, December 2, 2025
Photo: antiochian.org
A grassroots outreach effort at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral in Pittsburgh has grown from modest beginnings nearly ten years ago into a comprehensive ministry that has served over 5,000 unhoused individuals and 500 shelter residents so far in 2025.
The ministry, originally called the Homeless Ministry, began under the guidance of Fr. Joshua Makoul with a small parish allocation. Volunteers initially worked to understand local needs before focusing their efforts on Pittsburgh’s shelters and street population.
As demand increased over the years, the cathedral partnered with the Archdiocese’s Food for Hungry and Charitable Outreach program, which has provided growing financial support. The ministry received an initial grant of $5,000, then $8,000, and for the past two years has received $10,000 annually. These funds, combined with parish allocations and partnerships with local businesses, have enabled the program to expand significantly, reports the Antiochian Archdiocese of North America.
The ministry provides protein-enriched meals at four local shelters, including chicken, vegetables, starch and salad. Street outreach includes the same meals plus hygiene items such as shampoo, deodorant and bodywash, as well as tuna, water, fresh fruit and bread. A recently acquired 5-gallon water dispenser allows volunteers to offer both hot and cold beverages.
Winter outreach includes backpacks filled with army blankets, hand and feet warmers, and other cold-weather necessities. The ministry also provides seasonal celebrations with Valentine treats, Pascha and harvest candy bags, and full Christmas and Thanksgiving meals.
According to Robin Khorey of St. George Cathedral, volunteers approach the work with a specific philosophy. “Rather than asking questions, those in the ministry listen to life stories, eating alongside those who are being served and entering into conversations with them,” Khorey said. Many of those served, particularly children, have experienced loss from illness, addiction or other hardships.
While the work presents emotional challenges, volunteers report witnessing positive outcomes, with some shelter residents finding employment and housing. The ministry team consists of multiple parishioners who regularly participate in the outreach efforts.
Cathedral representatives emphasized that the program’s current scale would not be possible without support from both the archdiocesan Food for Hungry and Charitable Outreach program and parish contributions.
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