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The Philoxenia House Ministry offers free temporary housing to individuals and families visiting the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, in need of shelter, spiritual healing and/or comfort. Literally meaning “friend of the stranger,” philoxenia is a pillar of Orthodox Christianity and an important value in Greek heritage.

In 2004, with the blessings of our Metropolitan Iakovos of blessed memory, the ministry established the first house, the “Philoxenia House.” Later, the ministry expanded and now operates a second house, “St. Iakovos House,” in 2007. Given the growing demand for these facilities, a campaign is currently underway for the establishment of “Philoxenia Village” with the capacity to accommodate up to 20 guests and their families. The houses are operated by volunteers who are parishioners of the parish of Holy Anargyroi.