Over $1.3 Million Raised: Antiochian Women Honor Priests’ Widows
Antiochian Women press on with Metropolitan Saba’s blessing to grow a $3–5 million endowment, ensuring no widowed clergy wife ever walks alone.
ENGLEWOOD, NJ — The Antiochian Women’s North American Board (NAB) has received Met. Saba’s blessing to extend its current national project into the 2025-2026 season: the Widowed Clergy Wives Endowment Fund.
Launched to honor the lifelong sacrifice of priests’ wives who served alongside their husbands and now face widowhood, the initiative seeks to raise $3–5 million. To date, generous donors across the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America have contributed more than $1.3 million.
Only the investment dividends from the permanent endowment are distributed, providing modest but meaningful financial relief. Larger contributions will increase future payouts, easing burdens for widows who often continue living on limited means, fixed incomes.
Beyond monetary support, the NAB stresses prayerful companionship, ongoing communication, and inclusion of these women in parish life. Local chapters are urged to organize luncheons, bake sales, and other events to boost fundraising.
In October, the UOJ reported on Met. Saba's remarks concerning spiritual fatherhood.
