Belgorod, Russia, July 24, 2019
Photo: beleparh.ru/
On July 20, a new social project of the Belgorod Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church was officially presented.
The new Center for Social Rehabilition-St. Elizabeth House of Mercy was presented by His Eminence Metropolitan John of Belgorod and Stary Oskol, who called upon all to open their hearts and do Christian acts of mercy for their neighbors, reports the diocesan press service.
The center will bear the name of St Elizabeth the Grand Duchess and New Martyr who is well known as the founder of the Sts. Martha and Mary Monasteyr of Mercy in Moscow, where the sisters were engaged in charitable and medical work.
Cerebral palsy and autism, which complicate a child’s full functioning, limiting his movement and everyday life, are diagnoses that require qualified treatment with special fitness equipment, physiotherapy, and a team of psychologists and doctors with a narrow specialization in order to help the child feel free and independent—which is precisely what the new center aims to provide.
Photo: beleparh.ru/
At the center, children will be able to receive free consultations with experts and attend rehabilitation classes and classes with psychologists and also take advantage of the nearby park area. The house of mercy-rehabilitation center is located in the heart of the city, allowing for easy access.
According to parents and specialists, such treatment, without the feeling of being in a hospital, is ideal to help children cope with their afflictions.
According to Met. John, “Today’s work is rapidly losing its humanity, condemning people to loneliness, when someone’s problems are not interesting to other people.” It is precisely to return this humanity that the new center has been opened, the diocese reports.
“Everyone should answer for themselves whether they are ready to follow the Christian path of mercy. It begins in the heart of man, and good deeds can be done anywhere—it’s important only that they are aimed at the good of our neighbor, at his spiritual and physical recovery. In order to gather together, a small center will be created where children will receive all kinds of help, to thaw their hearts, which so often experience pain,” concluded Met. John.
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