INTRODUCING THE WORK OF PATRA ‘S PAROCHIAL CARITAS ST. ANDREW

The parish of St. Andreas in Patra, which has been present for over 176 years, since the opening of the Holy Temple in 1841, constitutes a cultural monument not only for the city, but also for the wider area of Western Greece with its distinctive architecture and its decorative characteristics.

Parochial Caritas operates under the surveillance and guidance of the priest Fr. Giorgos Daggas and a group of ten volunteer parishioners, who offer their services in different fields of action, within the framework of social and benevolent support towards our needy fellow people:

In the Economic Area these people are assisted by receiving a monthly income. In particular, 5 families and 11 more of our fellow citizens receive financial aid or food occasionally. In collaboration with Caritas Athens, immense comfort is also contributed by the “I love and I offer” program, through which super market vouchers are distributes to 23 families as well as a financial rental support to 16 families.

Besides that, the activities of our parochial Caritas are separated into six fields of action:

Prisons: The priest and two ladies-members of Caritas of Patra visit regularly the prisons offering to fifty of their internees moral and spiritual support, as well as some cleaning materials, phone cards, shoes etc..

Home visits: Four of our members, related to this field, pay visits to 16 patients and some elderly people to communicate with them in love and create relationships with those who need them the most, meaning patients and lonely people.

Immigrants: Two lady members occupy themselves with immigrants and their needs. Coffee and treats are offered every Sunday after the English Mass, while at the same time Caritas of Patra is trying to respond to the urgent needs of moral and financial support, that may occur.

Cemetery: We often clean and beautify the chapel, the sepulchers which are no longer maintained by the relatives of the deceased, as well as all the catholic section in Patra ‘s First Cemetery.

Festivities: All our members participate in our usual tea parties, which due to their big success take place twice a year. The Christmas Bazaar is another important activity, that starts in November 29th, at St. Andrew ‘s Eve and stays open for about 15 days.

“Companionship”: Every Tuesday, members of our newest field of actions organize meetings for all ages at the parochial hall. Interesting lectures, cinema nights, several exhibitions (eg. exhibitions of old photographs), musical entertainment, board games and many more are in schedule.