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Fr. Peter Spiro, Director of the GOARCH FREEDOM National Ministry and the ARISTEVI Foundation, recently visited St. Anna Greek Orthodox Church in Roseville, California, where he delivered a series of educational and theological presentations as part of the parish’s Three Hierarchs Lecture Series.
During his visit, Fr. Peter offered two lectures addressing the critical issue of human trafficking. The first focused on human trafficking awareness and mitigation, providing practical insight into the realities of trafficking and the role communities and faith institutions can play in prevention and response. The second lecture explored human trafficking from a theological perspective, presenting it as an assault on the Icon of Christ and a grave violation of human dignity within Orthodox Christian teaching.
In addition to the lectures, Fr. Peter served alongside the clergy during the Sunday Divine Liturgy, where he also delivered the homily to the parish community.
As a sign of gratitude and support for the unique ministry and its outreach to survivors at the Chapel of St. Barbara, the “Shrine for Human Freedom,” Fr. Peter was presented with relics and an icon of St. Olga of Alaska, a recently glorified saint of the Orthodox Church known for her ministry to women suffering from abuse, poverty, and social marginalization. This extraordinary gift served as a meaningful reminder of the Church’s longstanding commitment to protecting the vulnerable and advocating for those who suffer injustice. Fr. Peter expressed his deep gratitude for the gift, noting that it will inspire and bless survivors who pass through the doors of the facility and chapel.
Fr. Peter’s visit reinforced the mission of the Greek Orthodox Church to raise awareness, provide education, and offer faith-centered support to survivors of human trafficking, while calling communities to action rooted in compassion, accountability, and the Gospel.
GOARCH’s January Human Trafficking Awareness webpage can be found at www.goarch.org/humantrafficking. Those interested in learning more or in hosting the FREEDOM Ministry at their parish are encouraged to email FrPeter@goarch.org.
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