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When members of our chapter attended the National Philoptochos/Clergy–Laity Convention in San Diego, CA, in 2024, we became aware of a new ministry of the Archdiocese, Freedom Ministry. Our chapter board was very interested in educating ourselves further with Father Peter Spiro about the ministry and about Aristevi, the ministry that assists trafficked victims.

We invited Father Spiro to our church in September of 2024, and his homily to the congregation addressed current statistics relating to trafficking as well as what he planned to accomplish as Director of the Freedom Ministry. He also shared several heartfelt stories about trafficking victims.

As a result, our board and chapter members were deeply moved and fully on board with adding this ministry to our chapter’s fundraising efforts.

We decided to host a different type of event for our chapter—a 60’s Night. Since we have talented musicians within our church congregation, including our younger priest, as well as many baby boomers who attend our church, we felt this event could be very successful in raising funds to assist survivors. The event was held in October of 2024, and it proved to be both enjoyable and very successful.

A generous member of our Philoptochos chapter sponsored the dinner and dancing. In addition, the drummer of the band was a member of the local Odd Fellows chapter, and after educating them about our efforts, the group donated a generous check to support this vital ministry.

In January of 2025, a couple from our church were able to visit the headquarters of the Aristevi Foundation and St. Barbara’s Chapel near Nashville, TN. They met with Father Spiro, where he was presented with the chapter’s support check from our 60’s Night fundraiser. Father also provided them with a tour of the grounds and facilities that support trafficked victims and shared success stories demonstrating how survivors have been assisted through education and many other needs made possible by generous donors.

Father Spiro revisited our church this past September of 2025, and we hosted a luncheon where he was able to update us on the ministry and the ongoing needs of trafficked survivors.
What Father shared had a profound impact on our members, and our baking committee donated the proceeds from the bake sale held this past fall. We are also planning to include this vital ministry in our outreach efforts for the coming year.

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