Representation of the Orthodox Church in America
to the Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate

News | 24-12-05 Humanitarian Aid distributed to the needy in Moscow

On Saturday evening, December 24, 2005, prior to the celebration of the All Night Vigil, Archimandrite Zacchaeus, Dean and Priest Daniel Lugovoi, Cleric of St. Catherine the Great Martyr Church joined parish Humanitarian Aid and Social Services coordinator, Mr. Namrood Negash in distributing clothing and medicines to the needy of Moscow. Much of the clothing and medicines distributed came from the “Warm the Children” foundation in the United States which consists of volunteers and donors from New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin who collect items to be distributed to the homeless and needy of Moscow through Saint Catherine the Great Martyr Church.

Prior to distributing the humanitarian aid, Father Zacchaeus preached a short sermon in which he reminded those present that the greatest gift that the Church can offer is life in Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He also reminded all that these gifts of medicine and clothing are gifts of love, and that the recipients of these gifts should pray for those who offered them with sincere hearts. Following Father Zacchaeus’ words, Father Daniel Lugovoi spoke about the need for participation in the Holy Mysteries of Confession and Communion, and offered to hear the confessions of those present, many of whom for the very first time entered an Orthodox church, at the start of the celebration of the All Night Vigil in order to prepare to receive the Holy Eucharist the following day.

After the children received gifts of clothing and medicine, and also an icon of St. Catherine the Great Martyr, they were treated to a surprise visit of Father Frost who presented them with gifts of candy and toys