DIOCESE OF SUMY, UKRAINE TO HOLD LENTEN FUNDRAISER FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER
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Pravoslavie.ru – 25/2/17
On February 27, in all the temples of the Sumy Diocese in northeastern Ukraine will begin the seventh annual “Bright Deeds for the Bright Day” Lenten charity fundraiser. Over the past six years the campaign has raised more than 2.5 million hryvnia (about $93,000) for the treatment of children with cancer, reports the Union of Orthodox Journalists.
Archbishop Evlogy of Sumy and Okhtyrka sent a letter to his parishes instructing that from the first day of Lent each parish will have special donation boxes with the charity logo. All funds collected by Pascha will be directed towards the treatment of children suffering from cancer in the Sumy region.
“Each of us, even the very poorest, are able to manifest the true miracle—mercy and compassion. Let our heart’s desire to help the little ones suffering unite our efforts and make the impossible possible. Let us be merciful, wiping away the tear from a child suffering from cancer, assuaging the suffering of his exhausted body! May even the most modest offering become a gift of life!” the message reads.
The charity drive “Bright Deeds for the Bright Day” has been held annually during Lent since 2011 by the initiative of the Sumy Diocese and the Sumy branch of the Ukrainian Telecommunications Company. Donations are collected at churches, charity concerts, fairs, and by individuals and organizations.
The funds collected over the past six years have been used to purchase medical equipment and expensive medicines needed to treat patients of the Oncohematology Department of the Sumy regional children’s hospital.
