Valinhos, São Paulo, Brazil, April 23, 2024
Thanks in large part to the generosity of the readers of OrthoChristian.com, an Orthodox church in Brazil was able to raise the necessary funds for urgent repairs to its ceiling and roof.
OrthoChristian published an appeal from Fr. Nicholas of the Church of the New Martyr Elizabeth in Valinhos, São Paulo (Polish Orthodox Diocese of Rio de Janeiro and Olinda-Recife) in November, and today we received a message of gratitude from a parishioner:
Thanks to your post on your page, we were able to quickly raise the amount we needed and then some! We were able to repair the roof and the part of the ceiling that had collapsed. Additionally, with the extra donations received, we were also able to repaint the interior of the parish!
She also shared with us a thank you note from Fr. Nicholas to all who helped the church in its time of need:
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
I write to you today with a heart full of gratitude. As you know, we worked to raise funds to repair the roof of our beloved church, St. Elizabeth's Orthodox Parish in Brazil. And thanks to your overwhelming generosity, we have met our goal!
I am truly humbled by the outpouring of support we have received from all corners of the globe. Your kindness and selflessness have shown me that we are not alone in our faith, and that we are part of a much larger community of Orthodox Christians who care deeply for one another and are willing to extend a helping hand in times of need.
I am aware that many of you have made personal sacrifices, giving from your hard-earned money to help us achieve our goal. I want to assure you that your donations have not been in vain. They have made a profound difference in our lives.
On behalf of the entire parish, I extend our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your generosity. Your unwavering support has meant the world to us.
I must also apologize for the delay in providing an update on the project. We have encountered a few unforeseen challenges along the way, but I am confident everything will be settled soon.
In the meantime, I humbly ask for your continued prayers. We need your prayers for strength, guidance, and protection as we continue to struggle in Brazil.
I also ask for your prayers for the continued growth and prosperity of our parish. We are committed to serving our community and sharing the love of Christ with all who come through our doors.
Thank you again for your generosity and your unwavering support. May the Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit bless you abundantly.
In Christ,
Father Nicholas
St. Elizabeth’s Orthodox Parish Brazil
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