Our Missions

Working alongside Christians in the East

Since 1856, L’Œuvre d’Orient has been supporting Eastern Christians and vulnerable populations in the countries where they live. Working closely with communities on the ground, our organization supports projects led by local actors and meets the long-term needs of these communities.

Our work is structured around five main missions: education, health, social assistance, training, and heritage preservation.

Our Areas of Expertise

Education

More than 400 schools receive support from Œuvre d’Orient for children’s education, the reconstruction of school buildings, and educators’ salaries.

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Health Care and Social Services

L’Œuvre d’Orient funds the care of 3 million patients in clinics, hospitals, and facilities for people with disabilities or the elderly.

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Community Outreach

By supporting the formation of men and women religious, Œuvre d’Orient enables priests and religious orders to carry out their daily missions.

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Culture and Heritage

L’Œuvre d’Orient works to preserve the heritage of Eastern Christianity by protecting it in its home countries and promoting awareness of it in France.

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Governance

L’Œuvre d’Orient is a French Catholic, nonpartisan association recognized as being of public interest. Founded in 1856 and governed by the law of July 1, 1901, it works alongside Eastern Christians in the countries where they live.

The organization is led by a Board of Directors chaired by Jean-Yves Tolot since June 2021. He succeeded Admiral Pierre Sabatié-Garat, who held this position for 13 years.

Bishop Hugues de Woillemont has been the Executive Director of L’Œuvre d’Orient since September 2025.

How We Operate

Since its founding, Œuvre d’Orient has carried out its work in collaboration with its partners—the Eastern Catholic Churches and their unique network of stakeholders.

Grants Office: review and approval of grant applications.
Finance Office: oversight of the budget, cost accounting, and payments.
Communications Office: communication strategy and budget.
International Office: Sets the overall direction for European development and relations with international organizations.

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Key Figures

23

Country
76 000

Donors
70

Volunteers on a Mission
400

Religious Communities Receiving Support
1 250

Projects per year

10 Reasons to Support Christians in the East

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