Los Angeles Orthodox Visitors to the Elderly and Sick
In the early spring of 1981 Asya Skleminoff and Rosemary Soot spoke of forming a group to visit the elderly and sick parishioners. Several meetings were held at Matushka Lisenko’s house and they found the name for this group and called it L.O.V.E.S. – Los Angeles Orthodox Visitors to the Elderly and Sick.
Volunteers came from the Orthodox Club, the Sisterhood and parishioners in general who willingly gave their time and energy to get this worthwhile group started.
The group’s membership is not large – and the time span since its inception is not long – but its accomplishments are significant. To date, they have purchased a new mini-bus to transport the elderly parishioners to church on Sunday and they also purchased tape recorders and recordings were made of the Divine Liturgy to give to the elderly who are shut-ins.
The one thing, which no fund raiser can accomplish, and that is the Gift of Time… to VISIT those who are alone and ill and elderly, residing in convalescent homes, hospitals snd retirement hotels, especially during Pascha and Christmas.
OUR AIM: To provide needed assistance to those members of the Orthodox Faith who, by reason of being infirm or incapacitated due to age or illness, are unable to move about as they please. This assistance shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:
Visiting the elderly and sick at their residence;
Supply transportation to and from the Orthodox Church services of their choosing for those able to travel with reasonable assistance and within a reasonable distance;
Provide dinners, special Church services, gifts, etc., as may reasonably be done for special occasions.
If you or someone you know cannot come to our church due to immobility issues, let us know!
St. Ksenia Society
The St. Ksenia Society is a ministry of Holy Virgin Mary Cathedral, whose aim is to tend to the material needs of the local homeless population. Currently serving twice a month, parishioners assemble and distribute hygiene kits and clothing to homeless neighbors, while establishing personal connections with those whom they serve. The Society also seeks to connect the homeless with resources available through other government and NGO programs.
You can help this effort by donating hygiene supplies or new/gently used clothing. Always in high demand are:
Socks
Blankets
Underwear (new only)
Winter Coats
Deodorant
Toothpaste
Shaving Kits
Toothbrushes
Washcloths
Trial-sized/hotel hygiene items