Tbilisi, August 1, 2017
Monk Andrew. Photo: tbilisi.media The center will house 20 children with their parents, with round-the-clock supervision, beginning in the summer of 2019. The daytime department will also be able to accommodate 50 children a day for medical assistance, rehabilitation, and communication with peers. The center is mainly designed for children from poor families from various regions of the country.
“Studies have shown that the House of Happiness is essential not only for sick children, but also for their parents. It is very important that we offer children and their parents training and rehabilitation workshops in our center, which will allow parents to find employment, and children to gain additional skills,” said Tinatin Chkhvimiani, the founder of the Monk Andrew Fund.
An area of 70,000 sq. ft. is being developed for the center with donated means.
Photo: tbilisi.media Monk Andrew (Milorava) had lived in monastic tonsure for just four months before passing away from a soft tissue tumor at the age of 17. His tonsure took place in the hospital where he spent the last months of his earthly life.
Before his repose, Monk Andrew composed a stirring last will and testament in which he asked forgiveness of anyone he may have hurt, and encouraged all to live fervent Orthodox lives, regularly praying and attending Church services, and partaking of Holy Communion with due preparation. In conclusion, he wrote, “Obey the commandments of our Lord Jesus Christ, and may the protection of the Mother of God always be upon you. Amen.”
Before death, he took an oath from his mother that she would not leave the other sick children in the neighboring rooms. To help these children, his parents Nestor Milorava and Tinatin Chkhvimiani created the fund in honor of their departed son.
His mother recalls how he began attending church and singing in the choir from the age of 10. He had a desire to enter the monastic life from sixth grade. He was often seen crossing myself, whenever he saw or thought something unworthy. He was diagnosed with his disease at the age of 16. He told his parents that his guardian angel had already informed him of it.
Monk Andrew. Photo: tbilisi.media Monk Andrew departed to the Lord on July 28. His last words were. “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner, Monk Andrew!” A little while later he gasped three times and departed with a joyous countenance.
“I met all of this with complete peace of soul,” his mother writes, “and now I live only to care for the children who remain in the hospital, thus fulfilling my vow to my son. I always feel a connection with my son and receive great consolation.”
