THE MINISTRY OFFERED BY THE PHILOXENIA HOUSE TOUCHES PEOPLE AND IS GREATLY APPRECIATED

"...This 'Boat of Love', Philoxenia House, does not sail alone; it has its crew and its captain. Metropolitan Methodios' presence is everywhere and I felt it near me always. Here, my grandson's problem became everybody's problem. During my visits to the hospital, and in all my movements I felt everyone's breath near me. (grandfather of a 5 year-old from Lamia who underwent bone marrow transplant.)

Background

The Metropolis of Boston Philoxenia House, established by Metropolitan Methodios is 1986, continues to offer hospitality to those who come to Boston for medical treatment. Whether they stay for a few days, or a few weeks or months, the guests develop a bond with the Greek Orthodox Community of New England which continues to strengthen them through correspondence with Metropolitan Methodios and the volunteers and visitors to the Philoxenia House.

Today, the Philoxenia House consists of 11 bedrooms, two large living rooms, a large dining room, a modern kitchen, a pantry and seven and a half bathrooms. Guests are infants and children, senior citizens, and everyone in between. They are liver and kidney transplant patients, premature infants who are blind, cancer patients, cardiac patients, burn victims, infants born with severe deformities, those afflicted with multiple sclerosis, etc. The list is endless. Approximately 75% of our guests are children under eighteen, accompanied by one or both parents. The house is connected to the Internet which allows the guests to email their family and send photos taken with a digital camera to their loved ones at home.

The home is supported by volunteer donations from organizations and individuals. No amount is too small. We know of a couple of senior citizens who, impressed by what they see during their visits, donate whatever they have left from their social security check every month----$5.00, or $7.50, or, the most, $25.00! Their donations are appreciated and acknowledged gratefully.

Guests

The guests come mainly from Greece and Cyprus. Also welcomed have been people from Russia, South Africa, the Ukraine, Germany, Brazil, Egypt, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Puerto Rico, and from throughout the United States. All marvel at the hospitality they receive at this Greek Orthodox Home of Hope where Greek hospitality abounds.

Throughout the years, the Philoxenia House has hosted infants, young children, teenagers, and adults. The volunteers remember lovingly those who have are no longer living and those who continue to face life's challenges.

The Special Award for Greek Expatriates' Volunteer Organization of the Health Ministry and Greek Radio (ERT) initiative was given to the Philoxenia House in 2002.

Process of Accepting Guests

In the early days, people learned of the Philoxenia House primarily from Orthodox Hierarchs throughout the world who had been informed by Metropolitan Methodios of the ministry. Since then, word of mouth has spread this ministry. Former guests returning to their homelands have told their friends and neighbors, and doctors and nurses who have seen the benefits to their patients of a "home away from home" have all spread the word.

Every guest comes with a recommendation from the Hierarch of their Metropolis, or from physicians and others who are knowledgeable about each case, verifying that the patient is of good character and in need of this ministry. They are told to come the day before, or as close to as possible to, the date of their scheduled medical appointment.

Operations

When guests arrive, they are met by volunteers at the airport. Once in the home, new guests are welcomed by those already in the residence and volunteers who explain the rules of the house. Guests treat one another like members of one family. While in the house, they cook their meals together (the Metropolis provides the food) and eat as a large family.

Transportation to and from hospitals and doctors' offices and translators are provided by dedicated volunteers and, sometimes, during the academic year, by students at Hellenic College-Holy Cross as their schedules allow. A volunteer is on call 24-hours if they have an emergency and need immediate assistance.

In their own words

There is a book in the Philoxenia House in which the residents express their thoughts about this ministry. This is what they have to say:

"...My feelings cannot be described. We came (with my son) here in Boston without knowing where we are going. We found ourselves in the Philoxenia House, paradise I would say for all who come here. A big thank you to Metropolitan Methodios of Boston, with all my heart. A big thanks to all the volunteers. We will never forget you." (father from Aigion)

"...Love, Philoxenia, Smiles, Assistance, Respect, Organization--they are concepts that I wonder whether can be found even in my own family...." (father from Thessaloniki)

"...Thus, when we arrived we found something we never expected. We found open arms waiting for us....people ready to share our pain and to make it theirs....We met Metropolitan Methodios....and the volunteers---people who sacrifice their personal time and their families; people who love each and everyone at the Philoxenia House as their own relative, friend, brother..." (young father from Crete)

"...My story begins the summer of 2001 when I diagnosed with breast cancer....I called the Metropolis of Boston and from the first moment on the phone I began to experience hope....A famous Greek writer (it's impossible to remember his name) said that in life come times when 'even pain gets tired'! In this home pain finds a place to rest and the soul gets strength and patience in its search to become better....You also have the gratitude of my husband, my parents and my children who are too young to express their own gratitude, but they know about all of you from me...I am very lucky to have met you."
(young mother from Athens)

"...We have returned with our child for the second time....Agony, fear, pain for this small baby who puts his head in my arms and waits patiently for me to help him.....At home, those we thought friends abandoned us; they said, 'we are sorry but the fire is in your house'!!!! Then, a door opened and we understood who the 'good people' are. It's not just the psychological assistance, the place to stay, the food to eat. Yes, they are important. But for me, there is something more. I have become a better person. When I return home I will try, as best I can, to help whoever asks my assistance. A few days ago, young children and their parents visited us at the Philoxenia House and they brought gifts to my child whom they don't even know. Thank you to those who teach these children to do so much good." (young mother from Thessaloniki)

"...We were so afraid when we arrived in Boston. We didn't know anyone...But when we arrived at the house we met strangers who embraced us, making us forget our fear and agony. I believe this home is for all a large school. We shared our pain, our sadness with everyone...Residents and volunteers treated us as if we were members of their family. George-Mario is too young to thank you himself..." (parents from Thessaloniki)

"...When I first came to Boston with my daughter I was petrified, afraid of what I'd find there. The concept of living with other people scared me. Today, Philoxenia for me is 'my home". It is here where I shared my +pain...where I met people with their own problems and people who offer so much unselfishly." (young mother from Athens)

"...Philoxenia is a Greek word....its roots are in Xenio Dia and the Philoxenia of Abraham. When we arrived in Boston in February, very cold weather, tired and desperate, huge arms opened to protect us. I had a bone marrow transplant and we stayed six months. This house is not just a hospitality home. It's a place where we found comfort, sharing not only pain, crying, laughing and fear but also caring for the home as if it is our very own. We thank you for everything. (mother from Volos) Note: Unfortunately, she died shortly after she returned home)

"...I lived in this house for four months with my daughter. I feel very happy that I am now returning home to my family, but, I don't hide it, I feel sad that I am leaving this "special" family of mine here. You are all in my heart and will stay there forever." ( mother from Larnaca, Cyprus)

 

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