The “Name Day” has become a traditional feast in the boarding home for orphans. It is anticipated with anxiety and impatience. The celebration becomes real when one feels the love, care and warmth of his/her friends or neighbors and shares it with the others.

Last Saturday it was the name day for those who had been born in December. The brothers and sisters who came to the boarding home for the first time quickly got to know the children. The children’s openness and kindness immediately made the conversation informal. We really appreciated Alexander sharing his dreams of the future, and Pavel who read aloud his poems.

We decorated the holiday table together, trying to create cozy atmosphere. A moleben was held afterwards. It was so touching and inspiring to see children praying and singing troparions and prayers. After the moleben Father Valery anointed everyone with the consecrated oil and sprinkled with the holy water.

The moleben was followed by sincere congratulations from those who care for the children

Natalia Levko, sister of mercy and boarding home counselor: Children, I wish that you learn to be grateful to God and your neighbour for everything. You ought to thank for food and heat, for an opportunity to attend church and pray, and certainly for people who surround you. They sacrifice their souls for you, indeed. The sisters have participated in your life for ten years already, they have been praying for your and for your parents. We believe that the Lord will hear our prayers.

Lidia Osipuk, boarding home counselor: I would like to congratulate those whose name day it is. It is so nice and cozy here that any child would dream of such a holiday. Although your parents are not here with us, the warmth you receive here can help you to feel what human kindness means. Congratulations!

Dimitry, boarding home alumnus: I work as a painter/plasterer. My wages are modest, but it is enough for me. I live at a hostel. I wish you happiness and health. Do not give up and thank the Lord for sending you here…

Nun Martha (Matveyeva): I congratulate the heroes of the occasion on behalf of our convent and Sisterhood. I wish you to attend the church more often, to help, love and never hurt one another.

Bustling clowns Alexander and Ludmila Zhdanovich were the next to appear at the celebration. They created an ineffable atmosphere of joy and ardour. The clowns had prepared a puppet show for the children. The kids watched the show with delight. The dwellers of the neighboring boarding home for mentally challenged adults also decided to congratulate the heroes of the occasion and sang a couple of songs.

There is no birthday without a birthday cake. The cake was studded with candles, one for each of those having their name day. These candles were a symbol of warmth and love towards our dear children. The smiles never left the children’s faces. This was a memorable day, indeed.