Avrig, Romania, December 8, 2020
Photo: mitropolia-ardealului.ro
Thanks to the kindness of parishioners from two Orthodox parishes in the town of Avrig in Sibiu County, Romania, more than 100 needy children received generous gifts in honor of St. Nicholas’ Day this year.
The philanthropic Joy of St. Nicholas campaign, held between November 15 and December 6, gathered clothes, boots, candy, and toys for the children, identified as coming from socially vulnerable families, reports the Basilica News Agency.
The parishes drew up the list of children, and the parishioners prepared the gifts. Of the more than 100 children, 28 are disabled children who receive therapeutic support at a center in nearby Șelimbăr. The children were full of excitement, joy, and enthusiasm as they received their gifts and the love from the kind-hearted parishioners.
Photo: mitropolia-ardealului.ro
The organizers say their only merit was in connecting the children with the gift givers.
“We firmly believe that the goodness we want to transmit comes from somewhere … and most certainly from St. Nicholas, a model of goodness par excellence, or, even better, from God, Who cares for us!” said Fr. Ovidiu Stroe from one of the Avrig parishes.
Although the pandemic prevented the organizers and gift givers of “feel[ing] the physical hugs of the children, their warmth and the hugs from their souls were certainly felt,” said Frs. Ovidiu and Dumitru Nisipeanu.
Photo: mitropolia-ardealului.ro
“We realized that emotion, kindness, and love cannot be restrained or limited by any human restriction. This is the miracle of St. Nicholas every year,” the priests reflected.
“May the joy poured out in these days be a touch of comfort for us all!” they wished.
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