This year is a unique one in many ways, so far St Irene Orthodox Mission Centre & Orphanage fraternity feels humbled by the acts of kind-hearted brethren who have joined hands towards making our dreams a reality. Through this support, St Irene Orthodox Mission Centre and Orphanage dormitories are under construction and two units are almost complete. Our mission is to build 11 more dormitories capable of housing all 257 vulnerable kids at St Irene Orthodox Mission Center. We are always grateful for such wonderful contributions and prayers. Matthew 19:26: Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

On 6th August 2023, we celebrated The Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ at St Irene Orthodox Mission Centre & Orphanage.

Our Lord knew what he was facing. He was to be betrayed, denied, condemned, and crucified. He gave the disciples a glimpse of the shape of things to come; he was revealed to them in all his glory.

This brief glimpse of Jesus in all his glory is also meant for us today. Perhaps, like the disciples, we too experience fear, doubt, and even a lack of faith. We too need to be encouraged and strengthened by Jesus, especially as we continue our journey through Lent. The transfiguration of Jesus is a small glimpse of the destination of the Lenten journey: Christ’s risen glory.

For our Lenten journey to be effective and fruitful, we need to have our destination in mind. There is, of course, a danger of losing sight of it and turning our eyes away. We need Christ to lift us up and take away our fear. We should have eyes only for him. Through our Lenten penances, we try to be detached from the things of this world and not fix our faces on the earth but rather keep our vision fixed on the Christ who touches our very lives. We too need to know that our prayer, fasting, and sharing with the poor are not an end in themselves or that they are all done in vain. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Let’s give the African child a chance to have a bright future. Let the good legacy live on.

Christ in our Midst