Our holistic approach
The gospel affects every facet of life, in the same way that Christ is the solution to every societal need. We strive to embody this in how we operate by giving attention to every level of human interaction.
- We respond to crises that arise.
- We are concerned with physical health and well-being.
- We seek to empower through education.
- We work to restore a sense of dignity through integration into local economies.
Throughout, we express the love of Christ, recognizing that only the Gospel and the indwelling Spirit can regenerate the whole person.
What we do
Cultivating Christ-centered community
No aspect of life remains untouched by the impact of the gospel, for we know that a relationship with Christ is the ultimate solution to ones’ every need. We strive to embody this by addressing people holistically, meeting both spiritual and physical necessities, through Bible study, prayer and worship, ministry training and discipleship.
Relief & Compassion
When crisis situations arise in Greece or the surrounding Mediterranean Region, our Crisis Response Teams have taken aid and helped on the ground in practical ways. This includes helping war refugees in Ukraine, assisting earthquake victims in Turkey, cleaning homes after severe flooding in Greece, and much more. We offer food, shelter, clothing, medical supplies, building projects, camp management and more.
Healthcare
The Pediatric and Gynecology Clinics have been operating in the heart of Athens since 2012. The Dental Clinic opened its doors in 2015. The clinics offer their services to refugees as well as to our homeless and needy fellow Greek citizens. To date, we have completed 12,200 pediatric visits and over 8,000 dental visits. More than 50 nationalities have benefited from these services. We also offer trauma counseling.
Marketplace - Training
Education
We empower marginalized communities, including the Roma and refugees, through education. By offering literacy programs, tutoring, language instruction, and spiritual formation, we provide the tools for personal growth and community leadership. Our goal is to break the cycle of poverty, instill hope, and equip individuals with the skills and confidence to thrive in all areas of life.
Who we serve
Greeks
The Greek people are a resilient, hospitable, and relational culture and have a rich history with a civilization that began around 13000 BC. While today 98% of the population belongs to the Greek Orthodox Church, only 0.3% identify as Protestant and as with many nations around the globe, religion is often more of a cultural identity than a personal relationship with Christ. Our heart is to bring the hope, life, and truth of the Gospel to the Greek people anew through the distribution of Bibles in modern Greek, the promotion of Bible studies to help people interpret them and establishing communities of faith in cities and villages across Greece.
Refugees
For decades Greece has served as a gateway country for millions of refugees traveling predominately from Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran. For varied reasons they are fleeing their homelands, choosing to leave behind families, jobs, and their cultures in the hope of new opportunities and freedoms. Due to Greece’s location between their homelands and other countries in Western Europe, many refugees travel through Greece on their journey. Refugees are often in Greece for years while seeking asylum and awaiting approval to move to other countries. Discover how Hellenic Ministries is responding to the European refugee crisis by exploring our impact in Athens, Lesvos and the islands.
Roma
The Roma community, not too far from downtown Athens, can seem like a different country altogether. There lies another world in need of love - a people who are misunderstood, judged, and forgotten - the Roma. Problems from the past, which plague their futures, include the lack of education and social inclusion, leading to a lack of jobs and income. Many are without running water, power or permanent home structures. Furthermore, narcotics, child labor, and participation in child marriage does not aid their inclusion into society.
Learn why the Roma have become Europe’s forgotten people group and discover Hellenic Ministries practical response on the ground in Athens.
Homeless
Austerity measures and the ongoing fiscal crisis have significantly spurred the rise in homelessness in Greece in the 21st century. Instances of homelessness have been dominantly concentrated in the city of Athens.
Engage with the scale of homelessness in Greece and explore Hellenic Ministries' impact in Athens.
Vulnerable Women
Vulnerable women in Greece, particularly those from marginalized groups such as migrants, refugees, and rural communities, face significant challenges. Economic instability, high unemployment, and limited access to healthcare and social services exacerbate their hardships. Many also experience gender-based violence, including domestic abuse and trafficking, with cultural stigma preventing them from seeking help. Despite legal protections, inadequate support systems and resources make it difficult for these women to overcome their circumstances.
Discover how Hellenic Ministries is meeting the needs of vulnerable women in Athens.
Children & Youth
Children and youth in Greece face a number of difficulties. In 2022, 22.4% of children in Greece were at risk of poverty, and 15.5% were in severe material and social deprivation. Common mental health conditions for Greek children include anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, disruptive behavior, and bullying. Some children in Greece are exposed to exploitation, including child labor, child trafficking, and child sexual abuse. Many of those who belong to refugee families are without legal status and are more vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
Hellenic Ministries is seeking ways to reach the next generation and transforme lives through creativity and compassion.
