On Sunday, October 1, 2023 the St. Barbara’s Philoptochos of Saint Athanasius the Great will be hosting a panel to discuss a compelling threat in our community and the world – Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking.

The movie, ‘Sound of Freedom’ has opened a window for us all to see the devastation of two million children trafficked every year. We learn that the majority of these children are brought to the United States where traffickers profit at the expense of their victim time and time again. The sad truth, however, is that Human Trafficking preys on people of all ages, backgrounds, and nationalities. Exploiting victims for profit at a worldwide staggering estimate of 27.6 million victims.

Human trafficking is a local and global reality that destroys human dignity and freedom. It is part of countless activities of modern servitude. Every day, millions of men, women and children are trafficked worldwide, including in the United States. It is in our cities and towns, and indeed in our own neighborhoods. Innocent victims fall prey to it daily.

We ask that you share this important event in your parish bulletin, your boards, your friends, family and neighbors. We cannot, as good and conscientious Christians, remain silent and passive about this despicable evil!

The first step is Awareness. Join us with our esteemed guests; Dr. Elizabeth Prodromou, Presvytera Maria Drossos, and Dr. Vasileia Digidiki; for a lecture and discussion as we peel away the layers of this complex web of slavery and learn how to recognize what is happening around us and how to act to stop this ‘Sin Before Our Eyes.

For Planning Purposes We Ask You to Register: st-barbaras-philoptochos.square.site/