History
Costas Macris was a pioneer missionary with innovative ideas and a creative spirit. At a young age he moved with his family from Greece to the jungles of West Papua in Indonesia, with a purpose to convey the message of the gospel known through the person of Jesus Christ. At the same time, he practically showed love to cannibalistic tribes, helping locals to build schools, medical clinics, airstrips, and building structures, by offering materials and knowledge training. In 1976, he also founded the first airline in the area (Regions Wings), opening a new channel of communication and access with outside communities.
Driven by his characteristic energy, within a short time period (1981), Costas established Elliniki Ierapostoliki Enosi. This led to a volunteer movement that supported local churches and global mission; focusing on social actions motivated by a love for God. Its activities included student meetings, musical events, summer camps, outdoor programs and humanitarian aid.
Additionally, EIE contributed to the establishment of other entities for the support of artists, rehabilitation of drug addicts, educational programs, etc.
Today, Elliniki Ierapostoliki Enosi continues to faithfully serve the vision of Costas Macris in the spread of the Christian spirit, putting Christian love into practice in many ways within Greece and abroad. Significant aspects of this are support programs for refugees, Roma communities, and the economically disadvantaged; with food and material distribution, English lessons, skills training, etc.
If I had two lives
The biography of Costas Macris “If I Had Two Lives” traces the journey of a brave missionary, from the origin of his desire to serve cannibal tribes, to his abundant religious and social work in his homeland of Greece.
To receive a free copy, contact us at 210 777 9845.
Timeline
Foundation of Elliniki Ierapostoliki Enosi by Kostas Makris
Launch of outdoor programs throughout Greece to spread the Gospel
Donation of a multi-purpose space in the centre of Athens by Vassilis Markakis
“Love Meals” – one of the first soup kitchens organized in Greece
Musical events and cultural activities take place in the same space
Creation of music bands “Anagennisi”, followed by “Nea Zoi”
Establishment of EPKA (Society for Spiritual and Social Development)
“THE LIVING WORD” – The 1st literary translation of the New Testament in the vernacular is published
Publications: “Joni” and “Too Bad to Die”
Establishment of a film company FOS PHILMS for the screening of Christian films in institutions, schools, churches
Publication of the newspaper “Dromos”
The court acquited Kostas Makris, who had been charged with proselytizing and sentenced to 3.5 years in prison. The government received thousands of letters, hundreds of diplomatic bags through Greek embassies and personal letters from leaders worldwide.
First missions trip with New Testament distribution in Albania. Followed by missions to Cyprus, Kosovo Serbia, and Romania
Organising humanitarian aid for earthquake victims in Izmit, Turkey
Launch of the New Testaments distribution program in the islands “Operation Gideon”
Missions trips to China
The launch of New Testaments distribution program in mainland Greece “Every House”
The start of our cooperation with the orphanage “Eagles Wings Children’s Village” with the provision of medical staff in Uganda
Establishment of social and medical services for people in need and refugees in the centre of Athens.
Foundation of social action in Chania, Crete
Housing social integration actions for the Roma community in Ano Liosia.
Publication of Kostas Makris’ biography, “If I had two lives”
