Tbilisi, March 2, 2023
Monk Andrew’s Foundation
On February 23, the Caucasus’ first rehabilitation home for children with cancer and their families was festively consecrated in Tbilisi.
The “Happy Home” is a project of the charitable foundation named in honor of Monk Andria, who lovingly took care of sick children until his own death from cancer at the tender age of 17 in 2011. He charged his parents to continue caring for such children.
Fr. Andria’s parents dedicated the event to the 90th birthday and 45th anniversary of the enthronement of His Holiness Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, reports the Georgian Orthodox Church.
Monk Andrew’s Foundation
And the event was held on what would have been Fr. Andria’s 29th birthday.
The consecration was celebrated by His Grace Bishop Ephrem of Bolnisi and attended by other hierarchs and clerics.
Watch a clip of the joyous occasion:
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Fr. Andria (in the portrait) was just 17 years old when he died of cancer. Photo: Monk Andrew’s Foundation
The Monk Andria Fund was founded in 2012, mainly to care for children with cancer and their families, providing them with the necessary treatment and rehabilitation, housing during rehab, and transportation—all completely free.
Monk Andria (Milorava) had lived in monastic tonsure for just four months before passing away from a soft tissue tumor at the age of 17. His tonsure took place in the hospital where he spent the last months of his earthly life.
Before his repose, Monk Andrew composed a stirring last will and testament in which he asked forgiveness of anyone he may have hurt, and encouraged all to live fervent Orthodox lives, regularly praying and attending Church services, and partaking of Holy Communion with due preparation. In conclusion, he wrote, “Obey the commandments of our Lord Jesus Christ, and may the protection of the Mother of God always be upon you. Amen.”
Before death, he took an oath from his mother that she would not leave the other sick children in the neighboring rooms. To help these children, his parents Nestor Milorava and Tinatin Chkhvimiani created the fund in honor of their departed son.
His mother recalls how he began attending church and singing in the choir from the age of 10. He had a desire to enter the monastic life from sixth grade. He was often seen crossing myself, whenever he saw or thought something unworthy. He was diagnosed with his disease at the age of 16. He told his parents that his guardian angel had already informed him of it.
His spiritual father visited him and blessed him to receive the monastic tonsure, which took place in the hospital on April 17. After his tonsure he prayed constantly, refusing to watch TV. Many other children came to him, asking his prayers. Three days before his repose, he told his mother, “Mama, I’m already not here,” and he awaited his final breath with joy, that others would no longer be burdened by him.
Monk Andrew departed to the Lord on July 28. His last words were. “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner, Monk Andrew!” A little while later he gasped three times and departed with a joyous countenance.
“I met all of this with complete peace of soul,” his mother writes, “and now I live only to care for the children who remain in the hospital, thus fulfilling my vow to my son. I always feel a connection with my son and receive great consolation.”
Learn more about the home and make a donation at monkandrew.ge.
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