Metr. Saba Visits Pittsburgh Ministry Serving the Vulnerable

ENGLEWOOD, NJ — Metr. Saba of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America visited the Neighborhood Resilience Project and St. Moses the Black Church in Pittsburgh’s Hill District for the first time on July 26, 2026, witnessing the ministry’s efforts to serve vulnerable residents through food assistance, trauma response, and community outreach.

During the visit, Metr. Saba and Metr. Jacob of the Antiochian Archdiocese of Buenos Aires and All Argentina received an overview of the project’s work from Fr. Paul Abernathy, the organization’s CEO and pastor of St. Moses the Black Church, along with the center’s leadership, including spiritual advisor Bp. Thomas. The hierarchs toured the facilities and learned about programs that provide food, rent and bill assistance, and support for victims of violence.

The Neighborhood Resilience Project has worked to reduce crime and address trauma in the Hill District through community interventions rooted in the Gospel and the sacramental life of the Orthodox Church. Leaders noted that the neighborhood has experienced five years without a murder.

Before the tour, Metr. Jacob celebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the invitation of Metr. Saba. In his homily, he connected the Gospel account of Christ feeding the multitude with the ministry’s mission of trusting in God’s ability to provide beyond human limitations.

Metr. Saba also brought food kits prepared by campers at Antiochian Village for local residents. The visit concluded with a question-and-answer session with members of the community.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the 2026 National YAL Conference drew young adults to Cleveland.