The Shepherd's Guild is a small service organization of Orthodox laymen with the purpose to provide outreach
to people through service (Diakonia) as "commanded by the Gospel (Matthew 25, 31-46: James 1, 27) and promulgated by St. Basil
the Great of Caesarea and St. John the Almsgiver of Alexandria."
The Guild was chartered on September 30, 1999, as a nonprofit
organization under the laws of the State of South Carolina with the purpose to foster fellowship among members of the Orthodox
Community and to engage in humanitarian efforts. On August 17, 2001, the Office of the Secretary of State of South
Carolina re-classified The Shepherd's Guild as a religious organization.
The Building Fund of the Paracletos Monastery was established by the Guild to assist in the building of
the Chapel of Panagia Soumela at the Monastery. The main fundraiser of the Building Fund is The Anderson Greek Festival. Donations
are also welcomed to assist in the monastery's building needs. In January 2009, Guilders' (Fish Fry) was originated as a continuous fundraiser for the Guild's religious and charitable causes.
Also, The Guild is also a proud supporter of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center.
Join the Guild, Become an Associate Member
Associate membership is open to members of the Orthodox Christian Faith,
an applicant must be a member in good standing of a canonical Orthodox church. Dues are 100 U.S. dollars per year. Associate
members will be presented with an icon of Christ the Good Shepherd.
For an Associate membership form email the Guild at webmaster@shepherdsguild.org
Sterling silver medallion with gold halo
Medallion Associate
Dues: $ 250 per year, Medallion Associate will be given a 2" medal of St.
George, must be an Orthodox in good standing. Medallion custom-made for the Guild, on the reserve is the
Shield of the organization.
The Shield (Symbol) of The Shepherd's Guild
The following is the explanation of the Shield:
The cross of St. George, patron saint of the shepherds, of the poor and of the warriors. St. George is a
very popular saint, the patron for many people and lands such as Greece, England, Russia, Palestine, Palestinian Christians,
Malta, Georgia, Constantinople, Boy Scouts, Canada, Portugal, Germany, Venice, Order of the Garter and others. Also, St. George
is the patron of the founder's home parish and patron of many Orthodox parishes.
The Orthodox (Three-barred or Russian) cross is superimposed onto the cross of St. George.
The colors of blue and white were chosen because these are the colors of the flag of South Carolina.
The shield is symbolic of chivalry, aspiring soldiers of Christ.
