Main Volunteering Organizations for Christian Orthodox

Have you ever wanted to do more than just attend liturgical services and coffee hour? Maybe you’ve felt the Holy Spirit tugging at your heart to get involved, serve others, and give back a portion of these blessings in your own life. If so, this post is for you! Let's explore the main orthodox volunteering organizations available in North America, from feeding the hungry to going on mission trips abroad.

Table of Contents:

• Main Orthodox Christian Charities (Almsgiving-Focused)
• Main Orthodox Christian Missions (Evangelism & Outreach)
• No Orthodox Volunteering Opportunities Near Me—What Can I Do?
• Watch This Video
• Frequently Asked Questions

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Main Orthodox Christian Charities (Almsgiving-Focused)

1. International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC)

• Headquarters: Baltimore, Maryland
• Regions Covered: U.S. and over 60 countries worldwide
• About: IOCC provides emergency relief and development programs to those affected by war, poverty, and natural disasters.
• Volunteer Opportunities:
  • Emergency response teams
  • Home rebuilding projects
  • Special events and fundraising
• Get Involved: Visit IOCC Volunteer Page to sign up.

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2. FOCUS North America (Fellowship of Orthodox Christians United to Serve)

• Headquarters: Kansas City, Missouri
• Regions Covered: Multiple U.S. cities
• About: FOCUS serves the homeless and working poor through feeding programs, job training, and housing assistance.
• Volunteer Jobs:
  • Serve meals
  • Help at clothing drives
  • Mentor at-risk youth
• Contact Info: Visit focusnorthamerica.org and fill out the volunteer form.

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3. Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM)

• Headquarters: New York, New York
• Regions Covered: U.S. prisons nationwide
• About: Brings the light of Christ to those in prison.
• Volunteer Roles:
  • Write letters to inmates
  • Visit prisons (after background checks)
  • Host bible study and prayer sessions
• Volunteer Page: theocpm.org/volunteer

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Main Orthodox Christian Missions (Evangelism & Outreach)

1. Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC)

• Headquarters: St. Augustine, Florida
• Regions Covered: Africa, Asia, Central & South America, Alaska
• About: Sends missionaries to spread the Gospel and establish new Orthodox communities.
• Missionary Work Includes:
  • Short-term mission trips (1-2 weeks)
  • Long-term missions (6 months+)
  • Healthcare, education, and liturgical services
• Apply Here: ocmc.org/go

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2. Orthodox Volunteer Corps

• Headquarters: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Regions Covered: Major U.S. cities including Pittsburgh, Chicago, and New York City
• About: Orthodox Volunteer Corps (OVC) brings together young adults for a year of service, formation, and community. Members live together, serve full-time at nonprofit organizations, and participate in Orthodox spiritual life including prayer, mentoring, and formation sessions.
• Volunteer Experience:
  • Serve full-time with a local nonprofit in areas like poverty relief, housing, and education
  • Live in intentional Christian community with fellow corps members
  • Grow spiritually through prayer, Bible study, and liturgical life in a local church office or parish
• Apply Here: Visit the OVC Corps Member Experience Page to learn more and apply.

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3. Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage

• Headquarters: Rosarito, Mexico (U.S. base in San Diego, CA)
• Regions Covered: Mexico
• About: Builds homes for the poor and operates an Orthodox orphanage for boys.
• Volunteer Jobs:
  • Summer mission trips
  • House construction projects
  • Assist with care of the boys at the orphanage
• Get Started: projectmexico.org/volunteer

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No Orthodox Volunteering Opportunities Near Me—What Can I Do?

If you don’t have an Orthodox mission or charity nearby, don’t worry. You can still make a difference!

Here are some ways you can volunteer right where you are:

• Connect with your local autocephalous Orthodox Christian church: Ask your priest or parish council if there’s a local need. Maybe there’s a new program in the works that could use your help.
• Start something small: Invite other parishioners to organize a clothing or food drive. Use your personal experience and talents to lead a good deed that helps your community members.
• Partner with non-Orthodox local charities: Even if it’s not an Orthodox-run program, your help still reflects the light of Christ. Just make sure your participation respects Orthodox values.
• Go digital: Write letters to inmates through the Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry or support IOCC’s online campaigns. Small efforts can have a big reach.

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Volunteering as an Orthodox Christian isn’t just about helping others—it’s about following the commandment of Christ and letting the love of Christ shine through our actions. Whether you're handing out holy bread at a food pantry, writing letters to prisoners, or traveling overseas to build homes, you're glorifying God in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

These volunteer opportunities are perfect for young adults, families, and retirees alike. Check out the links, make a few phone calls or send an email address inquiry, and see where the Holy Spirit might be leading you.

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Watch This Video

Here is a great video to watch on this topic:

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Let me know in the comments if you've volunteered with any of these amazing Orthodox volunteering organizations or if there's one you'd like me to add. And don’t forget to share this post with your parish community after coffee hour!

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Frequently Asked Questions