London Cathedral Begins Operation of a Charitable Food Bank.

LONDON: With the blessing of His Grace Bishop Irenei of London and Western Europe, the London Orthodox Cathedral of the Nativity of the Mother of God and the Holy Royal Martyrs has begun operating a charitable Food Bank. In light of the current cost-of-living crisis, together with the influx of refugees and the many who are facing hardships during these winter months, the Cathedral Parish Council determined to start the operation of a local Food Bank, collecting non-perishable foods from parishioners, benefactors and charitable organisations, to be organised into boxed parcels to be collected by any who are in need of a little additional help.

The new programme is being tested first within the Cathedral parish itself, inviting parishioners and faithful who are themselves in need of such assistance to receive these parcels — and a system of anonymous collection has also been arranged, for those who desire it. As the project grows, it is the intention to extend it to the broader community as well.

Those wishing to donate non-perishable foods to the Food Bank may bring items to any service in the Cathedral, depositing them in the collection box near the church doors. Those who wish to receive a food parcel may take a voucher from the same location, or speak to any of the Cathedral clergy.

UPDATE: On Sunday 21 November / 4 December 2022, the Feast of the Entry of the Mother of God into the Temple and the first Sunday of the Food Bank’s operation, more than 30 boxes of food were distributed at the Cathedral — far more than had been expected for the first weekend of its activities. Glory to God that a need has been identified and is being met! By His mercy, more food donations are coming in in large quantities, so that the operation can be expanded in the weeks ahead.