Haiti Orthodox Family Relief (HOFR)
Mission
The Haiti Orthodox Family Relief (HOFR) program enables Orthodox individuals, parishes or societies from around the world to provide direct financial support to Haitian Orthodox families. In cooperation with the Fund for Assistance of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR), the program provides direct cash support to Orthodox families and Readers.
General expenses of the HOFR program are paid by the ROCOR Mission in Haiti, the Haiti Mission Administrative Offices in Miami, Florida and the Fund for Assistance Offices in New York. This means the HOFR program delivers 100% of the money donated monthly directly and securely to recipients. Every dollar donated is transferred monthly to the personal bank accounts (opened with the aid of our priests) of a Haitian Orthodox family in need.
Those in most dire need are identified by the Haiti Orthodox Board (Council), who serve the seven Orthodox parishes throughout the country. First priority is given to families without shelter, and to those with infants and small children.
A basic commitment of $100 per month is sought for each sponsored family. For individuals or parishes that are able, a basic commitment of $200 per month will support an Orthodox Reader. These pre-seminarian Readers are at the very core of the Orthodox Faith in Haiti and their tireless service to the Church throughout the county is a vital source of its strength and growth. Please help.
About Our Hatian Orthodox
Mission history
Our Haitian Orthodox mission was established more than 15 years ago. Our first Haitian priest, Fr. Jean Dumais was ordained by the now reposed Metropolitan Laurus, of blessed memory.
The ordination took place at Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, N.Y.; the entire service was served in French in order to honor the beginning of the Mission. About 12 years ago their second priest , Fr. Gregoire LeGoute was ordained by the now Metropolitan Hilarion.
Having as it’s center, the main Church of the Nativity of the Mother of God in Port-au-Prince, the Mission has expanded over the period of years, to seven parishes and three mission schools throughout the country. Over two thousand Haitians have been baptized into Orthodoxy since the start of the Mission. The two priests travel to serve the distant parishes; regular reader services are conducted in their absence. As the rest of Haiti, they suffer from poverty, worsened now by the earthquake. A Church, a 4 story school, and an Orthodox village are in ruble. HELP!
