“I eat to live”: An act of love in the face of Pascha

The saying of the ancient philosopher Socrates “others live to eat, while I eat to live” remains timeless, indisputable, and worthy of emulation for every person regardless of era. Unfortunately, in modern reality, the majority of people seem to follow the same, destructive path; we aim for excess, quality, variety, quantity and luxury in food, setting aside fundamental needs, simple healthy nutrition and, most importantly, concern for our fellow human beings and the maintenance of our health.

However, there are also bright exceptions. Those people whose hearts bend, are moved and hurt in the face of their neighbor’s need. They do not stand indifferent, they do not close their eyes, ears or hands to human misfortune, but face it with courage and act, to the extent of their abilities, to offer relief and hope.

Thus, on Sunday, March 30, in anticipation of the feast of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Orthodox Missionary Fraternity sent from its facilities in Filyro the third shipment of humanitarian aid. The mission, weighing more than ten tons, was destined for parishes in Plovdiv, Bulgaria under the active priest Fr. Seraphim.

The container included:

• five tonnes of food, such as rice, sugar, flour, vegetable oil, tomato paste, pasta, beans, lentils, etc.,

• medical equipment, such as blood collection chairs and medical beds,

• as well as everyday items: chairs, furniture, toys and clothing.

The shipment has reached its destination and the distribution of the offered items has already begun, serving the needs of village residents, medical units and parishes in the area.

Let the name of the Holy God be glorified, who, despite our weaknesses and passions, gives us the opportunity to strengthen His living images, as He Himself assures in His Word: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).

May the Lord bless all those who contributed, either from their scarcity or from their abundance of time or money, so that this charitable mission could be carried out in a successful and fruitful manner.