Moscow, December 15, 2016
Photo: http://lavra.ua/
The time of the Nativity Fast, leading up to the celebration of our Lord’s Incarnation in the flesh, is given to us to recommit ourselves to the precepts of the Christian life, including showing mercy to those suffering and in need.
In this spirit, the brethren of the social department of the Kiev Caves Lavra have gathered gifts, candies, and toys to distribute to children in celebration of the upcoming feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, one of the most beloved saints of the Orthodox Church in all lands, reports the Kiev Caves Lavra’s site.
Photo: http://lavra.ua/
In particular, not long ago, a group of children, including invalids, were invited to visit the Lavra. In the Church of the Conception of the Theotokos Hieromonk Lucian served a Moleben, after which he addressed the young pilgrims, urging them not to lose heart but to trust in the Lord and see His good will in all things. The children listened attentively and enjoyed the gifts distributed to them.
The brothers also visited a family in which the grandmother is busy raising three children, as well as Kiev region families with several children. In addition to board games, toys, and candies, the children also received icons and discussed spiritual questions with the brethren, led by Hieromonk Filaret.
The monastery’s social department consistently provides speedy assistance to low-income families with young children, and also wanted to provide gifts specifically in honor of the great hierarch St. Nicholas.
“The main purpose of all charitable activities is to ignite and sustain faith in the hearts of children and adults, and to direct their thoughts and feelings in the correct spiritual direction,” notes the monastery’s website. “Each of us, brothers and sisters, have the opportunity to touch the greatest Mystery, to receive spiritual gifts from the Lord Himself, if with pure intentions we help those in need.”
