Tashkent, Uzbekistan, August 22, 2018
pravmir.ru The new “Grapevine” center for the support of families and family values opened at the Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Convent in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on Saturday. This is the first such large-scale project in the Tashkent and Uzbekistan Diocese, opened with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Vikenty of Tashkent and Uzbekistan, reports the diocesan website.
The idea for opening such a center had been around for a long time, but the project began to be put into action in mid-2018 when various Orthodox specialists became involved to assist in the implementation of the center’s goals and objectives, according to center coordinator Alexei Klimashkin.
Other such centers throughout Russia were studied and the specialists involved visited the Tenderness Center for the Protection of Motherhood in Kazan to see how the workers there carry out their ministry. Then, on July 21, on the day of the celebration of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, a moleben was served to call for the help of the Holy Spirit for every good work.
The center’s main goal is the strengthening of the institution of the family in the dynamically-developing Uzbekistan. This will include counseling for Orthodox couples preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage; psychological and legal assistance for the prevention of domestic violence; spiritual, medical, social, and legal support for pregnant women in difficult situations; psychological and pastoral helpline counseling; the opening of a humanitarian aid center for the collection and provision of clothing, food, and household items for women with children; the organization of a school for young parents; the opening of a shelter for young mothers facing various problems; and the social adaptation of young parents who find themselves in crisis situations.
All of the center’s services will be offered on a charitable basis. It is planned that the center’s experience will pass on to other parishes of the Tashkent Diocese, perhaps even with the opening of other branches in each deanery of the diocese.
While less than 1% of Uzbekistan residents profess Christianity, Orthodoxy is growing there thanks to active catechetical and religious education work there.
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