On Sunday, June 1, the International Children's Day, Primate of the UOC opened the exhibition of creative works of the pupils of the boarding schools and orphanages of the Kyiv
Region held in the Refectory Church of the Holy Dormition
Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
Among those present at the charitable action were Secretary to the Primate of the
UOC Bishop Alexander of Boryspil, Abbess of the
Convent of Holy Archangel Michael Hegumeness Seraphima (Shevchyk), President of the Fund "Stars for Children" Galina Gorbal, repeated Olympic champion Liliya Podkopayeva, famous
Ukrainian film director Oksana
Bayrak, other philanthropists and
social and political leaders.
In his opening speech mother Seraphima greeted those present on the holiday, told
of the importance of holding similar charitable
actions in future, of the importance of care and support of the children who needed
them, since "the future of Ukraine
belonged to the children and they are to determine its fate".
Then she passed the floor to Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox church His Beatitude Metropolitan
Volodymyr, who said:
"We are glad to have a chance of greeting you here,
in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. This day is
listed in the calendar as an International Children's Day (Child Protection
Day). Both young and elder children are to get this protection. We believe that
with God's help you'll get knowledge and possibilities and learn well, and
you'll be well educated for the future.
Let the Lord bless all of you and
let everyone be healthy and happy."
Also one of the organisers, president of the fund "Stars for future" Galina Gorbal
addressed all those present: "I'd like to ask each of you to
remember of the children not only on this day, but all
the time, to give them your helping hand more often, since these children
are not strangers, these are our children."
Olympic champion Galina
Podkopaeva, who came with her family,
concluded the official part of the celebrations: "The main task is to make a child happy, because there is nothing better
than a child having both parents. No toy or financial aid will replace the parents'
love." Then the
Archpastor got acquainted with the exhibits presented, blessed the children and
gave them festive gifts.
The present exhibition is held under the patronage of His Beatitude
Metropolitan Volodymyr of Kyiv and All Ukraine. During 6 months the fund "Stars
for future" together with the local branch of the Ministry of Education on the
Kyiv region selected the best creative works of the children from orphanages
and boarding schools of the region with the purpose of support, fostering and
development of the young talents. The exhibition will be held in the
Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra till June 8.
Maxim Sydorenko,
for ORTHODOX.ORG.UA
Photos by Maxim Brusnyka | |
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