There are many foundations and public organizations in Russia that solve various problems. Each of them occupies its own niche. Some help orphans, others help people with disabilities, and others help homeless or endangered animals. And the foundation of St. Andrew the First-Called is reviving Orthodoxy and spirituality.
History
In 1992, the country was on the verge of collapse. Everything collapsed: lifestyle, education, medicine. People watched with bewilderment tomorrow. It was then that the foundation of St. Andrew the First-Called was formed, the main task of which was the revival of spirituality. At that difficult time in all respects, people were found who helped restore the temples and restore the shrines. They proved that religion is not opium for the people, faith is the source of a new life, full of light and hope.
Activities
One of the main directions, which is carried out by the foundation of St. Andrew the First-Called, is the bringing to the churches of the Russian Orthodox Church of the Holy Fire from the Easter service in Jerusalem. Also, the organization is engaged in the return of the great Orthodox shrines.
The Fund of St. Andrew the First-Called carried the Belt of the Blessed Virgin Mary through the cities of Russia and the CIS. This great shrine is kept in a monastery on Mount Athos, and thousands of pilgrims rush there to seek the intercession of the Mother of God. The precious casket rarely leaves the monastery and Greece. Therefore, the fact that the belt was brought to Russia can be regarded as a miracle. Thousands of believers came to bow to the miraculous shrine, to attach themselves to the belt, woven two millennia ago by the Virgin Mary herself for her son.
But this is not the only direction the organization is engaged in. Among other things, the Foundation of St. Andrew the First-Called organizes medical expeditions to remote areas of the Kuril Islands. Thanks to this, residents of the most remote corner of the country can receive qualified medical care on the spot without going to the regional center.
Programs and Awards
One of the first who Jesus called into disciples and who responded to the call was Andrew the First-Called. The Saint Apostle Foundation helps people find their way to God. One of the foundation’s main programs is “Ask for Peace in Jerusalem.” Its goal is the unification of the Orthodox of all countries for the sake of peace on Earth.
The Foundation of St. Andrew the First-Called advocates the revival of spirituality, therefore, helps mothers who have refused an abortion. This work is carried out thanks to the “Holiness of Motherhood” program.
There are other projects carried out by the fund. These are exhibitions that help to attract public attention to the problems of Orthodoxy, the revival of churches and monasteries, conferences and festivals. A lot of charity events and humanitarian programs are organized that enable believers to help those who are in difficult life situations. People who assist in this and other work are rewarded. Management established the annual Faith and Loyalty Award.
Holy Fire
The organization’s annual honorable mission is to bring the blessed fire. This process is very complicated and requires special preparation. Despite the fact that for many years this ritual has been carried out, every time new difficulties and difficulties arise on the way of pilgrims. The chairman of the Andrew the First-Called Foundation, Vladimir Yakunin, personally leads this noble mission.
Wonderful fire
The Descent of the Holy Fire is a miracle performed during the Easter service. In the marble chapel of Kuvukliya, which is located above the cave in which Christ was buried, all the lamps are extinguished in advance. The patriarch of Jerusalem, along with the priests of high dignities, offer a prayer to the Lord. Sometimes this action lasts only a few minutes, and sometimes it drags on for long hours, but believers await the miracle with awe. The Holy Fathers say that if the blessed fire does not come down, it will be a harbinger of the end of the world. Therefore, everyone expects with prayer and awe when a miracle happens. And suddenly, amid darkness, a lamp and 33 candles spontaneously light up, symbolizing the years of Christ's earthly life. At that moment, the reverential hum rumbles through the temple. From the candles of the patriarch, believers light their candles.
The foundation of St. Andrew the First-Called is delivered by the blessed fire in a special capsule, similar to the one in which the Olympic flame is transported. A special flight delivers valuable cargo to Moscow for the Easter service. This fire does not burn in the first minutes, there are frequent cases when patients are healed from it.
Faith is what unites people, makes them more noble and kinder.