Bishop Daniel meets with ZOE organization

(UOC-USA) - On Wednesday, April 21, 2010 His Grace Bishop Daniel met with the representatives of Zoe for Life organization in Parma, OH.

ZOE is a non-profit Christ-centered support organization with three major goals: to help women in crisis pregnancy, to assist Orthodox Christian couples seeking to adopt, and to create an Orthodox Christian abstinence program to educate young people. The organization is endorsed by the Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas.

Paula Kappos, president of ZOE for Life presented the bishop with a summary of the organization’s ministry, stating that “Many women in crisis pregnancies wrestle with abortion, some with adoption and some with suicide. To encourage women to carry their infants to term, ZOE offers emotional and spiritual support, confidential access to professional agencies, and connection to potential adoptive Orthodox Christian families.”

His Grace was escorted to the meeting by the pastor of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Parma, OH, Very Rev. Fr. John Nakonachny and Protodeacon Ihor Mahlay. Bishop Daniel toured ZOE House, and then gathered with those present for a candid discussion with regard to ZOE’s history, the function of ZOE House, as well as the goals and aspirations of this life endorsing mission. His Grace felt strongly that more could be accomplished if ZOE were brought to the forefront of Orthodoxy in America. All agreed that the good things that are happening here would hearten the faithful. As has happened at ZOE House in Cleveland, our Orthodox young people see first hand the impact this mission has on His children in need. It confirms for them precisely where their church stands on this issue, and encourages them to consider the long-term ramifications of actions they might feel societal pressure to participate in today.

Talking with Paula Kappos (president of ZOE), Kathy Kovalak (board member of ZOE for Life! and executive director of ZOE House) and Iryna Mahlay (member of the organization), the bishop offered specific suggestions to assist ZOE in taking the next step toward greater national recognition. His exhortation to do so by devising a plan to enable the faithful in other cities across America to replicate what has been done in Cleveland was startling in its clarity and simplicity. Those present gratefully accepted his generosity of spirit in making the time in his busy schedule to see first hand what is being accomplished here, as well as for his blessing for the work being done.

For more information on Zoe’s ministry, click here!