On Sunday, February 9, 2025 Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Seattle, Washington celebrated its newest ministry, the Philoxenia House, with an Archpastoral visit by His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, accompanied by His Grace Bishop Ioannis of Phocaea and Rev. Archdeacon Justin Bosl.
The Philoxenia House was developed in a residential structure adjacent to the Saint Demetrios parish and offers two fully furnished two-bedroom apartments, thoughtfully designed to provide comfort and meet the temporary lodging needs of out-of-town patients and their families during cancer treatment in Seattle. Conveniently located near Fred Hutch Cancer Center and Seattle Children’s Hospital, the Philoxenia House is managed as a ministry of Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. Parishioners in the community are dedicated to supporting patients and easing their stay through acts of love and care.
During the dedication weekend, Great Vespers was prayed on Saturday evening with a community reception following. The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning was celebrated by His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos, assisted by His Grace Bishop Ioannis of Phocaea, parish clergy Rev. Father Photios Dumont and Rev. Father Spyridon Rice, along with Rev. Archdeacon Justin Bosl from Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church in Castro Valley, CA. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan Gerasimos conducted an Agiasmos service followed by a procession to the Philoxenia House, where His Eminence blessed the residences. The parish joined in prayers for the success of this ministry for cancer patients who will travel to Seattle to seek medical treatments and require lodging.
A luncheon with over 200 attendees continued the celebration which included remarks from four individuals who shared thoughts on this newest ministry as well as recognition of the many donors whose time, talent and treasure who made the Philoxenia House a reality.
Philoxenia House Committee Chairman John John spoke of the journey undertaken primarily over the past year – but in reality a concept in the making for several years – to raise both awareness and the finances needed to establish a program such as Philoxenia House. He noted the multiple volunteer efforts from within and outside the parish community that so willingly joined together to accomplish this goal. Particular recognition was noted for George Constantine and Elaine Pagones for contributing their professional talents. Father Photios Dumont spoke on how Philoxenia House is an outreach ministry to the community at large and the impact that such a ministry has on everyone to live out the commandment to help one another. Debbie Fraley, representing Fred Hutch Cancer Center as Lodging Coordinator, spoke from the heart on the need for such housing as she sees first hand on a daily basis the struggles cancer families endure, and congratulated the parish of Saint Demetrios on establishing this “home away from home” for patients.
Finally Metropolitan Gerasimos addressed the luncheon attendees stating, “This is a day that will be remembered—not only because of the structure that now stands ready to welcome those in need, but because of the spirit of generosity, vision, and love that made it possible. This is how we, as Orthodox Christians, will continue to make an impact in the cities in which we worship, work and live: by reaching beyond the walls of our churches and touching the lives of those who are suffering, especially those who are facing the uncertainty of life-threatening illness.”
Information and viewing of the Philoxenia House is now available on our website, including opportunities to offer financial support for the ongoing support of this ministry.
