The Andrew the First-Called Foundation - the spiritual revival of Russia

In Russia there are a lot of foundations and public organizations that solve various problems. Each of them occupies its own niche. Some help orphans, others - invalids, the third - homeless or dying animals. And the foundation of Andrew the First-Called is engaged in the revival of Orthodoxy and spirituality.

History

In 1992, the country was on the verge of collapse. Everything collapsed: the way of life, education, medicine. People looked at each other in bewilderment in the future. It was then that the foundation of Andrew the First-Called was formed, the main task of which was the revival of spirituality. In that difficult time in all respects, there were people who helped to rebuild the temples, to return 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 of the foundation of the Andrew the First-Called Fund is bringing to the churches of the Russian Orthodox Church a blessed fire from the Paschal Service in Jerusalem. The organization also deals with the return of the great Orthodox shrines.

The Andrew the First-Called Foundation carried the transportation of the Belt of the Holy Virgin to the cities of Russia and the CIS. This great shrine is kept in the monastery on Mount Athos, and thousands of pilgrims rush there to ask for God's intercession. The precious casket rarely leaves the confines of 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 worship a miraculous shrine, to put on the belt, woven two millennia ago by the Virgin Mary for her son.

But this is not the only direction that the organization does. Among other things, the Andrey Pervozvanny Foundation organizes medical expeditions to remote areas of the Kuril Islands. Due to this, residents of the most remote corner of the country can get qualified medical assistance on the spot without going to the regional center.

Programs and awards

One of the first who Jesus invited to the disciples and who responded to the call was Andrew the First-Called. The St. Apostle Foundation helps people find the way to God. One of the main programs of the foundation is "Ask the World for Jerusalem." Its goal is to unite the Orthodox for all countries for the sake of peace on Earth.

The Foundation of St. Andrew called for the revival of spirituality, and therefore helps mothers who refused to abort. This work is carried out thanks to the program "Holiness of motherhood".

There are other projects implemented by the foundation. These are exhibitions that contribute to attracting the attention of the population to the problems of Orthodoxy, the revival of temples and monasteries, the holding of conferences and festivals. A lot of charity events and humanitarian programs are organized, which enable believers to help those who have fallen into difficult life situations. People who provide assistance in the implementation of this and other work are rewarded. The leadership established the annual award "Faith and Fidelity".

Holy fire

The organization's annual honorary mission is the bringing of blessed fire. This process is very complicated and requires special preparation. Despite the fact that this ritual has been carried out for many years, new difficulties and difficulties on the pilgrims' way each time arise. Chairman of the Foundation of St. Andrew the First-Called Vladimir Yakunin personally heads this noble mission.

A wonderful fire

The descent of the blessed fire is a miracle performed during the Passover service. In the marble chapel of Kuvuklia, which is located above the cave in which Christ was buried, all the lamps are extinguished in advance. The Patriarch of Jerusalem, together with priests of high dignity, offer a prayer to the Lord. Sometimes this action lasts only a few minutes, and sometimes drags on for long hours, but believers await a miracle with reverence. The Holy Fathers say that if the blessed fire does not come down - this will be the harbinger of the end of the world. Therefore, everyone expects with prayer and trembling, when a miracle will happen. And suddenly among the darkness self-igniting lamps and 33 candles, symbolizing the years of Christ's earthly life. At that moment, a reverent rumble spreads across the temple. From the candles of the patriarch, believers light their candles.

Delivers the foundation of St. Andrew the Blessed Fire in a special capsule, similar to the one in which the Olympic flame is transported. A special flight delivers a valuable cargo to Moscow for the Easter service. This fire does not burn in the first minutes, it is not uncommon for patients to be healed of it.

Faith is something that unites people, makes them nobler and kinder.