The Metropolis of Kos and Nisyros – feeding those in need….

A reader  was  concerned having seen an old women foraging for food  in the rubbish bins in Kos Town recently.  Deeply saddened by this, and the general poverty that is seen almost every day on the steets of Kos, they wanted to know….can anyone help? Does anyone help?

The Metropolis of Kos and Nisyros,  for the last two and a half years have been helping and will continue to do so.   Sadly there are many who live on the island that have no idea of the great service that they provide and  many who will not ask for help even when they need it.

No-one should feel embarassed, ashamed or scared, it could be any one of us, or members of our families that need to reach out for a helping hand.  No-one should go hungry, there are people volunteering here in Kos, donations sent, and many shops, bakeries, butchers all giving, to ensure that this doesn’t happen, that people don’t starve!

The Metropolis of Kos and Nisyros are feeding  not quite the world, but many of those in desperate situations here on our beautiful little island of Kos every single day, with no questions asked.

They help to provide  a healthy meal to over 170 people every day.

Volunteers from all walks of life, stand in the kitchen scrubbing  potatoes, cleaning vegetables, and cooking tasty wholesome meals, to help the hungry, there are no borders.  It is not a case of religion, creed or colour, the doors are open for all those in genuine need from 1.00pm-2.00pm every day at The Old Peoples Home, which is situated close to the Monastery of Agios Nectarios….open to help.

The Old Peoples Home currently houses 5 Grandfathers and 4Grandmothers full time and is also under the wing of The Metropolis of Kos and Nisyros.  The Metropolis in modern terms means a large city or urban area, economic, politcal of cultural centre.  The word derives from the Greek “Mothercity’, and is often a centre of a specified activity.

In Kos it is a holy centre (located opposite the Tourist Office, and underneath the steps of one of the most beautiful churches in Kos), the office is where the High Priest of Kos can be found (especially between 9.30 -12.30) most days.

The Metropolis of Kos, is a holy centre which also receives requests from many citizens of Kos (and Nisyros, and even other neighbouring islands)  for fianancial aid, especially in times of sickness, and extreme situations or poverty.  Wherever they can, they try to help, although sometimes the list is very long, and it is not always possible,  and they sadly do not always have the funds to aid everyone.

For those that wish to leave a donation to assist those in situations that most of us cannot even imagine, you can also do so, and will receive a receipt from the High Priest.

Those of us that have used clothes or toys that are still in good condition they can also be left at the rooms of the Church of Agia Paraskevi, where there are also volunteers that assist with the sorting and distribution to those that really need them.  Most churches around the island also will take in clothes and redistribute.

Currently.  they are looking for volunteers to help distribute the meals to those that are unable to reach the Old Peoples Home, due to sickness or lack of transport…. if anyone can help provide this service please contact:-

Mrs Domna between 11.00am-2.00pm on 22420 22621

On Monday between 10.00am-12pm and Thursday 5.00pm-7.00pm in the Office of the Metropolis you can find members from the  committee ΓΕΝΙΚΗ ΦΙΛΟΠΤΩΧΟΣ ΑΔΕΛΦΟΤΗΣ “ΑΓΙΟΣ ΙΩΑΝΝΗΣ Ο ΝΑΥΚΛΗΡΟΣ” that devote their time to help those in need, if you wish to contact them, or visit them in person, or make donations, or ask for any information, or volunteer.

Tel;  22423 00247

DON’T FORGET IT’S ALSO CHRISTMAS SOON, a time for giving, and time for sharing and above all for showing kindness.  We may not all be the richest of families, or people, but we all have a heart, and no doubt a few things in our cupboards that we don’t necessary need, or have plenty of, so why not donate it, and bring some Christmas joy to others that are not so fortunate?

Kerry  Chorafiou  and a whole bunch of wonderful people aim to make 200 food parcels for those people in need this Christmas.  Can you help?

How can you help?  Please bring/drop off anything that you have spare in your cupboard, or even anything you might consider would make a special Christmas suprise, a small token that will put a smile on someones face when they feel their whole world has crashed down on them, and there is nothing but darkness and despair, show them a little light!  It could  be something like chocolates or perfumed soap……it doesn’t have to be flour or spaggetti, some of the people that we are trying to reach, do not even have cooking facilities….

A Group has also been set up on Facebook KosKindness, which details how you can help, and where you can drop off anything that you are able to donate.

For example the ARK Car Boot Sale (27th December),  the Coffee Mornings and Table Tops Sales at Ellies in Kardamena, The Table Top Sale at The Sunburnt Arms on the 3rd December…and Every Thursday morning between 10.30-11.30 at the Catholic Church Parish room….

Boxes and collecting points will hopefully be set up all over the island in various places….

so please if you can help, bring a little bit of Christmas cheer.