Christmas in Svyato-Sergiyev parish

Almaty, 08 January 2008, (Khabar) - There were many people in orphanage at the Svyato-Sergiyev parish in the Ili district of the Almaty region. Those who deal in charity came to an orphanage at the Svyato-Sergiyev parish situated in the Ili district of the Almaty region. A lot of guests including Santa Claus himself and a snow maiden visited the parish for Christmas. Father Superior Sofroniy is known in the region as a religious person and the organiser of the Republic’s first orphanage under a parish. This man has an amazing life story. He is a reserve lieutenant colonel. He fought in Afghanistan. Later on, he decided to devote himself to children. Each of the 45 children in the orphanage has a difficult life story. The orphanage was established at the Svyato-Sergiyev parish in 1997. It has been in existence thanks to donations and charity. Some people helped it with roof repairs, some provided it with plumbing while some bought school supplies. The orphanage has a computer class, a rest room, canteen, first-aid post, bath and comfortable bed rooms.

Lyudmila Komissarova, doctor:
- The main is to create for them atmosphere of love, care and comfort. We should return them into the childhood.

The children there have many toys which are also a good present. In the orphanage, they also study music, handcraft and foreign languages. It is just like a big family with children attending a public school.

Sofroniy, Father Superior of Svyato-Sergiyev parish:
- They are our children. If one wants to be a doctor we will help him to become one. If one wants to be a military man, we will help him to make his dream come true. We do our best so our children get a higher education.

We never know what they might be, but we know for sure they will grow into honest and good people.