Patrida, Imathia, Greece, October 9, 2024
Photo: vimaorthodoxias.gr
With the blessing of a bishop of the Orthodox Church of Greece, a new center for the training and employment of people with mental and physical disabilities was opened this weekend.
On Sunday, October 6, the Children of Spring daily care center in Patrida, Imathia, was blessed by His Grace Bishop Christophoros of Amphipolis, reports Vima Orthodoxias.
The new center will host adolescents and adults aged 16 and over from all over Imathia Prefecture, with intellectual disabilities, autism, Down syndrome, learning difficulties, mobility problems, and behavioral disorders.
The project was implemented with a grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and support in money, goods, and services from many organizations and individuals.
The local ruling hierarch, Metropolitan Panteleimonos of Veria, is currently on pilgrimage in Romania. During the blessing service, his message was read out by Bp. Christophoros.
“Despite the fact that we’ve already entered autumn, we’re getting a taste of spring,” the Metropolitan wrote about the inauguration of the new center, “celebrated with great joy and emotion.”
The Metropolitan highlights the unique role of the center’s students as both learners and teachers for those helping them, demonstrating the power of human potential and resilience. He emphasizes that everyone has the right to education, employment, and care, with the state obligated to ensure these rights, especially for those who might otherwise be excluded.
The Church has supported the Children of Spring Association from the beginning, standing by its side throughout its struggles. The Metropolitan expresses gratitude for the resources that made the center possible and congratulates all involved, seeing the realization of this project as a confirmation of their dreams and hopes.
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