ANNOUNCEMENT
With the blessing of our Christ and the blessing of the Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa Theodoros II, the Holy Diocese of Majunga and North Madagascar is entering into an important new cooperation for the Orthodox Orphanage of Majunga.
This cooperation has already begun in practice, with the aim of supporting the children, improving their living conditions and upgrading the work of the institution.
The Orphanage is an important part of the history of the Orthodox Mission in Madagascar. The building was built at the expense of the Philanthropic Brotherhood of Men of Thessaloniki, under the presidency of Theodoros I. Dardavesis, as shown by the commemorative plaque in the institution, which bears the date 21 January 2011.
Our cooperation with the Municipality and the local authorities has already begun, with a view to officially entrusting the management of the Orphanage to the Holy Diocese of Majunga and North Madagascar.
The Mayor has welcomed the proposal in a very positive spirit and has expressed his willingness to support this cooperation. For the final and official handover of the management, however, we await the decision of the Municipal Council.
Even though the formal procedure has not yet been completed, our cooperation has already begun in practice, through specific initiatives and actions to support the institution and the children.
Today is especially moving and symbolic, as the Greek flag is being raised in the courtyard of the Orphanage.
The blue and white flag is raised in Majunga as a symbol of Greece and of Orthodoxy, but also as a symbol of love, solidarity and practical giving towards the people and the children of Madagascar.
As part of this cooperation, on Wednesday a meal will be offered at the institution.
The meal will be attended by the Mayor, the local authorities, the people and co-workers who support this effort, and the children of the Orphanage.
It will be a beautiful day of meeting, communication and love, centred on the children and their future.
This building, which for many years housed and protected the children, now needs substantial renovation and upgrading. Time has left its marks both inside and outside the building.
For this reason, as part of the new cooperation, our main aim is to proceed with the redevelopment and renovation of the building, both inside and out, creating the conditions necessary for its safe, dignified and smooth operation.
We want the Orphanage to regain the place it deserves and to become a modern, safe and suitable place for the children it houses.
With the blessing of our Christ and the blessing of the Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa Theodoros II, we move forward with faith, love and determination, so that this historic institution may gain new life and continue to be a place of love, protection, hope and giving for the children of Madagascar.
