Towards the eastern part of India, and north of the Bay of Bengal, on the banks of the Hooghly River, lies one of the major Indian hubs, Kolkata (formerly Calcutta). 

Recognized as the friendliest and cultural capital of India, Kolkata to-date has a growing population of 14 million! Modern-day Kolkata greets visitors with an incredible contrast of, a thriving metropolis, but, densely populated and polluted. 

Ideally located, Kolkata became the capital of British India from 1757 to 1911. Its economy flourished in the early 18th Century until the partition of India in 1947. The partition disastrously affected Kolkata, as the creation of Pakistan prompted the end of the Bengal region. With the influx of refugees, a suffering economy and a population explosion along with the British departure, Kolkata became an urban disaster.

The work of Mother Teresa’s mission gave global recognition to Kolkata’s plight, which shocked the world. Since then, numerous organizations have responded to the needs of the Bengali people. Unfortunately, even with such help, to-date visions of squalor, famine, and disease exist. Progress to eradicate the inhuman conditions in West Bengal has been slow, which begs the need for greater global help. 

The Orthodox Church has also responded to the plight of the Bengali people. In charge of the Greek Orthodox Church in Kalighat, Kolkata, Father Ignatios Sennis, founded the Philanthropic Society of the Orthodox Church (PSOC) in 1993. The Society targeted its philanthropic work to minister physical nourishment of health, shelter, education and social needs to the poor, around 52 villages in West Bengal. Hard work, determination and the dedication of the PSOC, along with the continuous aid from generous benefactors have seen the emergence of numerous effective humanitarian programs to help the destitute and needy.