From August 10 to 26, in the villages of Bolotnensky, Moshkovsky, Kolyvansky and Novosibirsk districts of the Novosibirsk region, for the 30th time, the spiritual, educational and medical-social action of the ship-church "St. Andrew the First-Called" will take place.
The charity event was organized by the Novosibirsk Diocese and the Government of the Novosibirsk region with the support of local governments of the districts. As part of the spiritual, educational and charitable mission, clergymen, doctors of various specialties and social workers work in hard-to-reach settlements, providing spiritual, medical and social assistance to local residents.
On August 10, the participants of the rally were escorted by Metropolitan Bartholomew of Novosibirsk and Berdsk, Governor of the Novosibirsk Region A.A. Travnikov, Minister of Regional Policy R.V. Burdin, Minister of Health R.M. Zablotsky, Minister of Labor and Social Development E.V. Bakhareva. At the pier of the River Station, Bishop Bartholomew, accompanied by the clergy of the diocese, performed a prayer service for the travelers and blessed the missionaries on their way.
"Today we prayed that the Lord would strengthen those people who went on this missionary journey with his gracious help. This wonderful project, the only one in all of Russia, unites our society and provides an opportunity to bring the Word of God and care to many people," the archpastor said in his greeting. Vladyka also noted that over the years of the project's existence, about 20,000 residents of the districts have been baptized, and more than 100,000 have received medical care.
The Governor of the Novosibirsk region stressed that for all 30 years the action has been in great demand in the region: the ship-church has long been known, remembered and greatly awaited by residents of remote settlements. "If at the very beginning the project was aimed at compensating for some material limitations, shortcomings in the medical and social infrastructure, today people often need moral and spiritual support. I wish a successful journey to all participants of this missionary campaign, and kind-hearted greetings at all points along your path," said Alexander Travnikov.
The first charity raid on the Ob River was carried out by the ship-church in 1996. The main goal of the campaign is to provide spiritual and social assistance to residents of remote villages. Among the participants of the action are clergymen, medical workers and representatives of the social protection authorities of the region.
During the campaign, doctors' appointments and functional diagnostics (ultrasound and ECG) will be organized for rural residents. The clergy of the Novosibirsk diocese will perform the sacraments of baptism, communion, and confession; conversations with residents and educational events will be held. It is also planned to provide gratuitous targeted financial assistance to low-income residents of the districts.