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 communities
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
Τhe Greek people are a resilient, hospitable, and relational culture and have a rich history with a civilization that began around 13000 BC. Officially, 98% of the Greek population belongs to the Orthodox Church, with only 0.3% identifying as Protestant. Greece has a deep Christian heritage, and faith is an integral part of its culture. Our experience shows that many people may be familiar with Christianity on a cultural level but may not have had the opportunity to engage deeply with the message of the Bible. Through the distribution of Bibles in modern Greek and the encouragement of Bible study, our aim is to help make the Scriptures more accessible and meaningful, supporting spiritual renewal in this generation.
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 transform lives through creativity and compassion.
Stories...
Join us in celebrating what God is doing
We believe in a God who transforms individual lives in the context of community.
Discover the people and stories that make Hellenic Ministries unique.
Education
Transforming lives through education in the Roma community
Since 2016, 180 children from the Roma community in Ano Liossia have been enrolled in their local Greek school by means of “Petalouda”, our social center’s education program. Neltarios (13) is one of the students in our program. He says: “When I first came to the center, I had never painted in my life! There I like to do my homework, draw, play and learn biblical stories. The staff have helped me in school and encouraged me not to give up. My dream is to be a police officer.”
"Education gave me confidence!"
When Siyahmouy, mother of three children from Afghanistan came to our Social Medical Center she could neither read nor write. She says: “The Farsi and English lessons opened my mind. I believe it is important for both men and women to study. Only when one starts learning, does one understand the value of education. It does not benefit an individual only, but our entire society. Education gave me confidence!"
Relief & Compassion
Cyclone Daniel
When Cyclone Daniel hit Greece, Bulgaria and Turkey in September 2023, the result was devastating. In Greece there were massive amounts of property damage as well as seventeen deaths. Our Crisis Response Team mobilized over 20 people for two weeks, offering help to the flood victims.
One of the victims we helped was Thomas. He and his wife Alexandra and their child were at a retreat at Porto Astro when their village, Metamorphosi, was flooded at 4am. They lost everything they owned. Thomas's goal is to plant a church in that area - it was our purpose to support him impact lives with the kindness of Christ practicing presence amidst their suffering. He told us. "We were desperate... Τrying to get things out of the house ourselves. But we were slipping and in danger of falling and getting contaminated by our contact with various objects. In a few days your team arrived and with their joy and hard work, they strengthened us. Thank you for helping us in this very difficult time!"
Meeting basic needs
At our centers, beneficiaries can receive free clothing and shoes, they can wash their laundry, and even learn English while their children are engaged in creative activities.
Amandou is a man from Nigeria who came to pick up clothes for his 8-month-old daughter and his wife who was hospitalized. Our team lovingly prepared a package of clothes and his joy could not be contained as he told us: "Thank you for being kind to us. I appreciate everything you do for us..."
Helping refugees and homeless
In the historic setting of Evripidou Street, we continue to provide daily support to refugees in need, offering food, hygiene products, and clothing to Greek-speaking, Farsi-speaking, and Ukrainian families. Each day, we host a Christian program that delivers a message of hope from the Word of God. Additionally, we offer creative activities for children, language lessons in Greek and English, and psychological support seminars to help individuals and families navigate their challenges.
"I had lost hope because of a serious health issue, until I discovered who God really is here. In a few days I will undergo surgery, but I am not afraid anymore. My heart is full of peace because I know that He will sustain me." Olga, Ukrainian refugee
Healthcare
"The Good Samaritan"
Immigrants and refugees in the densely populated neighborhoods of Athens are fighting a daily struggle, trying to overcome the obstacles of language, poverty, and loneliness. Since 2012, our Social and Medical Center, 'The Good Samaritan,' has been dedicated to supporting those in need, serving individuals from over 64 different nationalities.
At the Pediatric Clinic, we provide medical care and vaccinations for our young patients. Additionally, we offer a unique service: booking medical appointments in public hospitals, a process that is often challenging for non-nationals due to high calling rates and communication barriers.
"Thank you so much for booking an appointment for me at the public hospital—it truly alleviates a great deal of stress. I really appreciate your care and support!" Haulanatu, single mom from Sierra Leone.
Vaccines
"Despite losing my medical insurance a year and a half ago, you provided all the vaccines for my three children. Every time I come here, I feel grateful and cared for. I truly appreciate everything you do." Merone, from Ethiopia
Healthy smiles
At our dental office, lives are being changed and patients can hardly believe their eyes!
"Many needy people struggle to find care in public facilities, where basic dental work to save teeth is often overlooked in favor of extractions. Additionally, communication barriers or lack of compassionate care can make the experience even more challenging. But where there’s a will, there’s always a way," explains Ioannis Trigas, the head of the Dental Clinic.
“Thank you! I can finally smile with confidence and without embarrassment,” said Susanna from Congo, as she left our dental office dancing and singing!
Marketplace-training
Rain Lab: Soulful Fashion
At Rain Lab, HM's ethical fashion brand, we believe that the clothes we wear are not just pieces of fabric, but they also have character, history and people behind them. Since 2022 we have supported women seeking refuge in Greece due to war or persecution in their home countries, by offering them employment and a welcoming environment to develop their creativity.
"For a refugee woman, having the opportunity to work means everything! Earning an income makes me feel strong and independent. I no longer have to rely on charity to meet my needs, which, until recently, was judged by others based on their perceived importance." Sama, Employee from Iran
Christ-centered community
Comforting a mother grieving for her daughter
We were walking through the narrow streets of Kefalonia when a father and his daughter invited us to sit in their yard. During our conversation we learned that the mother was inside the house, but she had not left it for the past five months as she was mourning the sudden death of her 37-year-old daughter. To our great surprise, she allowed Sarah, one of our team members to go inside: "I sat beside her, we cried together, and then I prayed for her. She was so grateful for our conversation, and I told her I would come back before we leave."
Sarah kept her promise and returned with a Bible, which she gave to the husband. "I am giving you this book because it is life itself. God can heal your aching heart," she said to him. Upon hearing these words, he began to cry. He asked her to pray for him and said he would read the Bible. It is amazing how his anger towards God softened, and he now accepted God’s Word into his life and his family!
God's Word brings hope
“Thank you, because through the work that you are doing, even one person from my village may be saved and go to the Kingdom of Heaven!” Grigoris, the only believer in a village in Fthiotida, after receiving a New Testament
The transformation of a desperate Iranian
In Ioannina the team encountered a young man from Iran at a refugee camp who had attempted suicide just three days prior. Overwhelmed by hopelessness and depression, he seemed to have lost all will to live.
Costas, a member of our team, shared his own testimony of how God had delivered him from depression, and prayed with the young man. Costas also introduced him to the Bible, which was the first time the man had ever heard about Scripture.
Two days later they met again, and the young man had not only installed the Bible on his phone in Farsi but had also begun reading it. Filled with excitement, his life was starting to be illuminated with hope.
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