The Missions Ministry of St. Basil Church

In the fall of 2000, St. Basil embraced the theme of “Missions” for its annual Fall Retreat at St. Nicholas Ranch in Dunlap, California. What began as a retreat theme soon sparked a ministry that would shape the parish’s outreach for decades to come. Throughout the weekend, parishioners shared a growing desire to put their faith into action by supporting Orthodox missions both at home and abroad. By the retreat’s conclusion, that enthusiasm took tangible form in the creation of a Missions Committee.

Under the leadership of parish priest Fr. Konstantine Mendrinos, a small group of dedicated parishioners began meeting each month to prayerfully consider how St. Basil could support the Orthodox Church's missionary work. Their goal was not only to provide financial assistance, but also to deepen awareness of missions and inspire the entire parish to take part in this important work. Recognizing the promise of this new ministry, the parish approved a dedicated $1,000 Missions line item in the church budget at the following General Assembly. Within a few short months, the ministry had established a clear purpose and a vision for the future.

From the beginning, keeping the spirit of missions alive within the parish was a central focus. Quarterly updates shared stories of the people, communities, and ministries being supported around the world. A missions bulletin board and photo gallery in the church hall helped bring those stories to life, while regular newsletter articles kept parishioners connected to the ministry’s ongoing work.

The Missions Ministry also found meaningful ways to involve the entire parish. Annual Missions Sunday presentations and fellowship luncheons offered opportunities to learn about Orthodox missionary efforts worldwide. Lenten coin boxes encouraged families and children to practice sacrificial giving during the holy season, while special collections and the beloved Christmas Wish Tree created additional opportunities to support those in need throughout the year.

As the ministry grew, so did its impact. Through the faithful generosity of the St. Basil community, we supported indigenous Orthodox clergy serving in their own communities, the work of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC), and numerous missionary initiatives around the world. The parish also had the blessing of sending its own members on mission trips to Mexico, Guatemala, Albania, Bulgaria, Uganda, Ethiopia, India, Alaska, and many other locations. These experiences allowed parishioners not only to witness the Church's work firsthand, but also to share Christ’s love through personal service.

An especially meaningful chapter began in 2008 under the leadership of parish priest Fr. Gregory Koo and his family. Moved by an urgent need, they established the St. Basil Orphanage Fund to support Sister Nectaria Paradisi and the Orthodox orphanage she operated in India. During Greece’s severe economic crisis, the orphanage lost much of its financial support, placing its ministry to vulnerable children in jeopardy. The generosity of the St. Basil community helped sustain the orphanage during this difficult period and ensured that its important work could continue.

What began as a parish effort to help one ministry soon grew into something even larger. The St. Basil Orphanage Fund eventually became FILI, Inc., an officially registered nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting ministries serving communities in need. Today, FILI continues the missionary spirit that first took root at the 2000 Fall Retreat, raising funds not only for the orphanage in India but also for other charitable organizations that lack the resources to carry out their work. Through these partnerships, the compassion and generosity of the St. Basil community continue to reach people worldwide, extending a legacy of faith, service, and Christian love that has flourished for more than two decades.