About St. Basil's House

St. Basil’s House is a New Jersey not-for-profit corporation, incorporated on December 8, 2016, and recognized as a §501(c)(3) organization effective May 1, 2017.

Our mission is to serve those in need with respect, personal attention, and compassion—providing opportunities for Eastern Christians to see and serve Christ in those who are suffering and to build lasting relationships with them.

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We focus our work in Trenton, NJ, where many residents live in poverty and where our founding board members were already active in community outreach.

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Operations

St. Basil’s House does not currently own real estate. We operate free of charge from a private home in Trenton’s West Ward, and our activities are limited to what can reasonably take place in a residential setting. Neighbors frequently drop in for tea, emergency supplies, or showers.

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Weekly Gatherings

Our most consistent ministry takes place during Bible Study on Wednesdays, 9:00–11:30 a.m., when volunteers offer:

• Breakfast (freshly prepared each week)

• Bible study and prayer

• Groceries, toiletries, and used clothing

• Seasonal fresh produce from Ephrosini’s Garden at Mother of God, Joy of All Who Sorrow Orthodox Church (Princeton, NJ)

These gatherings are hosted by volunteers from various Orthodox parishes.

• Shopping and supply runs are done by volunteers from Orthodox Church of the Annunciation (Brick Township, NJ).

• Deliveries come from St. Mark’s Orthodox Church (Wrightstown, PA).

• Canned goods are provided by parishioners of Mother of God, Joy of All Who Sorrow Orthodox Church (Princeton, NJ) and were formerly donated by St. Simon of Cyrene Mission (New Brunswick, NJ) and Christ the King Orthodox Church (Tullytown, PA).

• Gardening is now maintained by volunteers from Holy Trinity Orthodox Church (Philadelphia, PA).

• Website and social media work is done by a volunteer from Mother of God, Joy of All Who Sorrow Orthodox Church (Princeton, NJ).

Past Outreach and Seasonal Efforts

Over the years, we’ve been blessed to offer a variety of special projects through the generosity of our partner parishes:

• Art & Activities: Painting classes led by St. Mark’s Orthodox Church (Wrightstown, PA)

• Art Therapy & Group Therapy offered by a volunteer from Mother of God, Joy of All Who Sorrow Orthodox Church (Princeton, NJ)

• Music Activities offered by a volunteer from Mother of God, Joy of All Who Sorrow Orthodox Church (Princeton, NJ)

• Essential Items:

  • Blankets and sleeping bags — St. Anianus Coptic Orthodox Church (Monroe Township, NJ)

  • New shoes — St. Anianus Coptic Orthodox Church and the SS Mary and Martha Fellowship (Mother of God, Joy of All Who Sorrow Orthodox Church, Princeton, NJ)

• Holiday Support:

  • Thanksgiving groceries — Christ the King Orthodox Church (Tullytown, PA)

  • Christmas gifts and stockings, Easter baskets, and Halloween treats — Mother of God, Joy of All Who Sorrow Orthodox Church (Princeton, NJ), St. Mark’s Orthodox Church (Wrightstown, PA), and St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church (Alpha, NJ)

• Hospitality: Home-baked breakfast goods from St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church (Alpha, NJ), Orthodox Church of the Annunciation (Brick Township, NJ), and St. Mark’s Orthodox Church (Wrightstown, PA)

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Volunteer Partnerships

We have hosted special workdays with:

• Orthodox Christian Fellowship at The College of New Jersey

• Youth from St. Anianus Coptic Orthodox Church (Monroe Township, NJ)

• Parish groups from Mother of God, Joy of All Who Sorrow Orthodox Church (Princeton, NJ), St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church (Alpha, NJ), St. Mark’s Orthodox Church (Wrightstown, PA), and St. Stephen’s Orthodox Church (South Plainfield, NJ)

Looking Ahead

We have explored offering residential services, but found that such programs require more supervision than our current volunteer base can sustain.

We continue to serve humbly and personally from our home base—welcoming neighbors, building community, and sharing Christ’s love through simple acts of care.​​​​