Orthodox Forge

Christian Concepts and Everyday Life

What is Christian understanding of charitable organizations?

Q1307 · Social Cohesion

Some Churches have established charitable institutions that are run by deacons, deaconesses, and widows. St. Basil the Great founded many establishments on the outskirts of Caesarea in Cappadocia to receive the strangers and the sick, and especially the outcasts. He also populated these institutions with skilled people to operate them.1003 In Antioch, the Church established a huge hospital and a house for sojourners. Also, Pachomian monasteries were accustomed to welcoming strangers and to serving the poor and sick in the surrounding villages. And with the support of the state, refuges for the poor were established in Egypt, Palestine, Eastern Greece, Italy, and in Rome itself. Many of the bishops were devoted to social work for the welfare of the whole population and not just Christians.

The Fathers cited

  • St. Basil the Great