Moscow, August 7, 2020
Photo: ria.ru
Ten thousand units of individual protective equipment has been donated to Russian dioceses throughout the Russian Orthodox Church for clergy and laypeople working to help people in need.
“The Church, and the Association of Volunteer Centers donated anti-COVID personal protective equipment as part of the All-Russian mutual assistance campaign “We are together” (#МыВместе). Ten thousand units of personal protective equipment were donated to employees of diocesan social departments, church volunteers and nurses who continue to help people in need during the spread of coronavirus infection,” RIA Novosti reports. This aid was delivered to fourteen different dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church. An additional 550 full body protective suits were also donated for priests to undertake sick visits. So far, priest of the ROC have made hundreds of visits to the homes of people infected with coronavirus to bring them the Sacraments.
According to the Synodal Department for Charity and Social Service, more than one hundred church volunteer services operate in Russia and other countries, and almost seven thousand Orthodox volunteers are involved in helping. In 102 dioceses, hot lines have been opened to help those in need. There is a special Russian website for up to date information on charity work and needs during the pandemic.
The Synodal Department also noted that the site miloserdie.ru is undertaking fundraising for the purchase of food and essentials for people who, during the epidemic, are in a state of extreme need.
