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Portland, OR — Father Peter Spiro, Chief Chaplain for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and Director of the FREEDOM Ministry and the ARISTEVI Foundation, recently visited Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Portland, Oregon, where he participated in the parish’s annual Human Trafficking Awareness Lecture.
The event was hosted by Holy Trinity’s Defeat Human Trafficking Ministry, a parish based initiative that has been actively engaged in human trafficking education, advocacy, and community response for several years. During the lecture, Father Peter focused on the theological and ethical crisis of human trafficking, describing it as a direct assault on the Image of God within the human person and a grave violation of human dignity. He addressed members of the parish community, invited guests, and representatives from local law enforcement, emphasizing the responsibility of faith communities to respond with clarity, courage, and action.
The parish demonstrated strong engagement throughout the seminar and continues to be a consistent presence in human trafficking response efforts within the Portland area.
During his visit, Father Peter also delivered the Sunday homily and met with parishioners following the Divine Liturgy in the fellowship hall. As part of their outreach, the parish community collected gift cards and monetary donations to provide direct assistance to survivors of human trafficking.
In recognition of the work of the FREEDOM Ministry and the ARISTEVI Foundation, Holy Trinity Parish presented Father Peter with a large icon of Saint Mary of Egypt. The icon will be placed in the Chapel of St. Barbara, Shrine for Human Freedom, where it will serve as a symbol of repentance, restoration, and hope for survivors.
Parishes interested in hosting the FREEDOM Ministry for a lecture or training are invited to contact Father Peter directly at FrPeter@goarch.org.
Additional information and resources on human trafficking awareness and prevention are available through the FREEDOM Ministry at www.goarch.org/humantrafficking and www.freedom.goarch.org.
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