His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew met on Saturday, September 20, 2025 with members of Luv Michael, an organization for young adults on the autism spectrum, in Southampton, New York.
Luv Michael Community members welcomed the Ecumenical Patriarch to Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons in Southampton, New York, and shared with him the Bartholomew Christmas Tree, offered in his honor. His All-Holiness participated in a tree blessing, expressing his joy at seeing the tree.
During the meeting, each young adult shared with His All-Holiness how to fulfill the call of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to “take up your cross and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24)
Luv Michael is a non-profit organization is organized through the efforts of Dr. Lisa Liberatore and Dr. Dimitri Kessaris, along with their son Michael. In 2015, Michael and his parents launched Luv Michael to create meaningful work opportunities for young adults on the autism spectrum. Michael and his friends not only found jobs but also a sense of belonging.
In 2020, Luv Michael collaborated with the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Church to build Luv Michael Homes (formerly US Autism Homes), a first-of-its-kind residential model. Now, Michael and eight friends are learning to live independently, proving what’s possible for adults on the spectrum.
