Mission Statement:
AOK Foundation is a non-profit 501c3 private foundation based in Illinois (USA) and dedicated to 'Advancing Orthodoxy in Korea (AOK).' The AOK Foundation raises resources to support the educational and philanthropic activities of the Orthodox Metropolis of Korea (Ecumenical Patriarchate).
Current Fundraising Initiatives
Jeonju Church Reconstruction
An Expression of Spiritual and Material Solidarity between the Faithful of the United States and the Orthodox Metropolis of Korea.
Our Orthodox sisters and brothers in South Korea have an immediate need for financial support of the Holy Dormition of the Theotokos Church in the city of Jeonju. Your contribution will support the completion of the interior of the church (including iconography) as well as the ecclesiastical furnishings.
Ongoing Ministries
From camps for children and young adult fellowship to couples’ retreats and support for senior citizens, Korea’s Orthodox parishes offer a wide range of ministries to promote spiritual growth and friendship in Christ. The Metropolis also offers weekly Bible studies, iconography classes, and, of course, a full cycle of divine services offered in the Korean language.
Some Ministries of the Metropolis of Korea are:
- Summer English Camp and Winter Camp
- “Syndesmos” Young Adult Ministry
- Orthodox preschool
- Bible studies
- Retreats for youth, couples, and seniors
- Family picnic and sports day
Evangelism and Publications
- Korean Editions Publication House (translation & publication of books on Orthodox Spirituality, Theology, and History, including Saints’ Lives and Patristic writings)
- Ecumenical Witness – Korean Council of Churches, etc.
- Academic Conferences with International Orthodox Scholars
- Exhibits on Orthodox Art
- “Philokalia” and “Logos” Bookcafes / Bookstores
The Korean Church anticipates the need for a substantial budget increase to meet its growing body of publishing work.
Monastic Life
Monasticism is vital to Orthodox Christianity, and the Church in Korea is blessed by its two monasteries, Holy Transfiguration of the Savior in Gapyeong and St. Andrew’s in Yang-gu. The monasteries are not only praying for the whole world, they are sacred spaces offering hospitality to pilgrims and spiritual seekers. Sustaining monastic life in Korea depends on the prayers and financial generosity of donors.
Get in touch
Thank you for your interest in the AOK Foundation. We operate with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Ambrosios (Zographos) and hope you will support the extraordinary ministries of the Orthodox Metropolis of Korea! All donations are tax deductible for U.S. residents and go directly towards advancing Orthodox Christianity in Korea.
If you prefer not to donate online, you may send a check made out to “AOK Foundation” to the address below. Thank you!
EMAIL: info@aokf.org
WEBSITE: https://www.aokf.org
AOK Foundation was established by Deacon Perry (left) and Diakonissa Pat Hamalis (right) in 2019, as a blessed fruit of their close friendship with His Eminence Metropolitan Ambrosios of Korea. The Hamalises met His Eminence at Holy Cross School of Theology in 1992. Over the decades, their friendship deepened and they began visiting and volunteering with the Church in Korea. In June 2016, after a year as a Fulbright Senior Scholar at Yonsei University, Perry was ordained to the diaconate at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Seoul by Metropolitan Ambrosios. Deacon Perry and Diakonissa Pat have been blessed beyond words through their relationship with the Church in Korea. They are committed to Advancing Orthodoxy on the Korean peninsula, to the Glory of God.