The Diocesan Service “Mercy” held a charity event for former minor prisoners of fascism and besieged Leningrad

May 8, 2024. Alma-Ata. On the eve of the Great Victory, with the blessing of Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, the diocesan service “Mercy”, headed by Archpriest Vyacheslav Pugachev, held a social and charitable event for veterans of the public association “Almaty city organization of former minor prisoners of fascism and besieged Leningrad.”

Today, 45 people live in Almaty, whose childhood and youth were crippled by the tragedy of the Great Patriotic War and the atrocities of the Nazi invaders. These are elderly people, all of them are over 84 years old and the majority are disabled people in need of help and care.

Sisters of mercy and volunteers visited former minor prisoners of fascism and besieged Leningrad, congratulated them on the holidays of the Holy Resurrection of Christ and the Great Victory, and gave them Easter treats and food packages.

The chairman of the Almaty city organization of former minor prisoners of fascism and besieged Leningrad, Irina Aleksandrovna Kostina, on behalf of the veterans, expressed gratitude to Metropolitan Alexander. “Your attention has become a source of inspiration and support for us, veterans, whose hearts were pierced by the most difficult trials during the war. Your concern for our generation, your respect for our exploits and sacrifices speak of deep understanding and appreciation for our contribution to the victory over fascism. Your support is significant not only for us, but also for our entire society, reminding us of the importance of preserving the memory of the war and its lessons. We appreciate your attention and your role in strengthening the spiritual and moral values of our society. May your wisdom and kindness continue to inspire us all on the path to peace, justice and harmony,” the letter of gratitude reads, in part.

Also, words of gratitude were addressed to the diocesan charity service: “We thank you and the volunteers of the Orthodox service “Mercy” of the Astana and Alma-Ata diocese for the gifts in the form of a food package, for the accuracy and efficiency of delivery to each veteran.”