Saint Demetrios Opens Philoxenia House to Support Cancer Patients and Families
On Sunday February 9, 2025 Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church located in the serene Montlake area of Seattle is celebrating the grand opening of the Philoxenia House, the center for its exciting new ministry and outreach to its neighbors and greater community. Philoxenia is the Greek word for “friend to a stranger.”
This Ministry will provide housing, support, and love to those from out of town who are receiving cancer treatments at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center and Children’s Hospital. As Orthodox Christians we minister to the needs of one another and the community during challenging times with unconditional love.
His Eminence the Most Rev. Metropolitan Gerasimos, Greek Orthodox Bishop of San Francisco and the Western states will lead the Hierarchical Liturgy at 9:30 AM and the blessing of the Philoxenia House from Noon to 12:15. The priests of the parish, Fr. Photios Dumont and Fr. Spyridon Rice will assist at the services along with visiting clergy. Thereafter they will join the celebratory luncheon at the Saint Demetrios Community Center organized by the Philoxenia House Ministry Committee.
The Philoxenia House is located adjacent to the St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church and centrally situated between Seattle Children’s Hospital and the Fred Hutch Cancer Center. The house features two private residences, each with its own separate entrance. Each unit is equipped with individual heating and air conditioning systems and offers two bedrooms—one with a queen bed and the other with two twin beds. Both units include fully equipped kitchens with a refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishwasher, and small appliances, as well as a bathroom with a walk-in shower, washer-dryer, TV, and wireless internet. The upstairs unit also offers an outdoor deck, while the downstairs unit provides a cozy patio and small garden area. Each unit is provided with one reserved parking space.