Finding His Calling Through Volunteer Service
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” – Mark 16:15
Father Paul Tsahakis and his ministry volunteers have held Bible study sessions for women and children at The Salvation Army Center of Hope since 2019. During each session, he hands out small wooden crosses to anyone who would like one, reminding them that Jesus is always with them. However, Tsahakis didn’t start volunteering as a Greek Orthodox Priest at the Center of Hope. He became familiar with the shelter under a different service.
Tsahakis was a well-known orthopedic spine surgeon for 30 years before he became a full-time priest. While a surgeon, he offered free weekly orthopedic clinics to women at the shelter who had joint pain and couldn’t afford to see a specialist. However, clients sought more than an orthopedic check; they yearned for spiritual services. That’s when Tsahakis realized his journey to becoming a priest was greater than himself.
“When the women speak from their hearts and souls about the things that happened to them, it’s almost like a public confession,” says Tsahakis. “They feel very comfortable talking with me.”
The volunteer group, St. Hermione Home Ministry, attracts an average of 70 women and children every Tuesday for its Bible studies. The group provides organic fresh fruit, pizza and pastries. When available, they even bring clothing items for clients. The sessions begin with prayer, followed by a scripture reading and an interactive group discussion. The children separate and volunteers facilitate an age-appropriate session.
“It’s a very engaged group,” he says. “When I ask if someone would like to comment, ten hands would go up. Many people want to express themselves.”
The group also partners with Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) to help women obtain careers. School representatives come to the shelter once a month to enroll women in their “Walk with Me” program, which allows women to get their GED and learn a vocation concurrently. With sponsorships, the program provides bus tickets for travel to and from CPCC, school supplies, and tutoring.
“[The program] went from very modest, 'let’s have a Bible study', now to a very well-developed complex offering,” he says.
Before starting this program at the Center of Hope, Tsahakis did not fully understand homelessness. He knew the problem existed, but his world revolved around his work as a surgeon, working long hours in operating rooms for days at a time. That changed when he began volunteering for The Salvation Army. He realized he could make an impact simply by showing up.
Based on surveys conducted by the ministry, there has been an improvement in anxiety and depression levels, a decrease in suicidal ideations and more women finding the strength to quit drugs thanks to the Bible study sessions.
Some women noted:
“You don’t judge us.”
“You treat us with respect.”
“You don’t force us to believe.”
“Everyone is welcome.”
And to this day, they carry their little wooden crosses, knowing that Jesus is always with them.
“Our goal is to be present and to bring Christ,” he says. “We always say, ‘they don’t need us, but everyone needs Christ.’ So, we try to empty ourselves of ourselves and make that commitment to come every week.”
By showing up every Tuesday, Tsahakis understood something no textbook could teach—healing doesn’t happen only in hospitals.