On the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, a monument to St. Luke of Crimea was unveiled in Zhukovsky, Moscow region, on the territory of the Elizabethan branch of the Central Clinical Hospital of St. Alexy, Metropolitan of Moscow. The dedication of the new monument was performed by the Patriarchal Vicar of the Moscow Metropolitanate, Metropolitan Pavel of Krutitsky and Kolomna.
The opening ceremony was attended by Alexey Zarov, Chief physician of St. Alexy's Hospital, Andronik Pak, head of the Zhukovsky city District, Pavel Astakhov, statesman and TV presenter of the Spas channel, and Maria Tokchukova, surgeon of the rescue squad of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations.
"A wonderful monument to St. Luke, Archbishop of Simferopol and Crimea, was erected on our blessed Zhukovsky land, next to the branch of the Patriarchal Hospital. This monument inspires those who work there, the patients, and all our believers. We believe that St. Luke, who in the days of his life helped all those in need, all the sick, and all the grieving, gave comfort and inspiration, and today supports everyone who turns to him with faith and hope," Metropolitan Pavel emphasized.
"St. Luke has become a truly close saint for our doctors and volunteers. We see in him a living example of a doctor who combines the deepest professionalism with sincere mercy. Next year we will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of this saint, who is dear to many Russian people. It is especially gratifying that the monument has now appeared on the territory of the branch of our hospital in Zhukovsky," said Alexey Zarov.
The monument was donated as part of the All-Russian charity event "Alley of Russian Glory" by Pavel Astakhov. "The installation of monuments to St. Luke of Crimea is our gratitude to the great man, patriot and saint of Russia. He is our contemporary, close and understandable. He is our intercessor before the Lord, and we honor his holy memory, ask for forgiveness for his unjust persecution, and we pray to him, and he hears us," Pavel Astakhov said.
The Elizabethan branch of St. Alexy's Church Hospital was opened in Zhukovsky on the territory of the parish of the Great Martyr and Healer Panteleimon in 2022. Palliative care is provided in the hospital, and a Prosthetics and Medical Adaptation Center has been set up to treat residents of Donbass who have lost their limbs. The classroom provides professional training in the care of seriously ill people. The specialists of the patronage service travel to Zhukovsky and Ramenskoye to provide assistance at home.
St. Luke of Crimea (in the world, Valentin Felixovich Voino-Yasenetsky) is an archbishop, surgeon, scientist, Doctor of medical Sciences, winner of the Stalin Prize for his work in the field of purulent surgery and anesthesiology. In 2000, he was canonized among the New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia.
St. Alexy's Central Clinical Hospital is a medical institution of the Russian Orthodox Church, a multidisciplinary medical facility with 300 beds. People from all regions of Russia are treated here, regardless of religion. The hospital is located in Moscow. Branches have been opened in Shuya, Ivanovo Region, Zhukovsky, Moscow Region, and Pereslavl-Zalessky, Yaroslavl Region. A Prosthetics and Medical Adaptation Center has been set up in Gorlovka (DPR). There is a licensed Training Center for the training of junior nurses in patient care.