A Feast of Hope, A Mission of Love
Dormition of the Mother of God at St. Irene Orthodox Mission Centre & Orphanage
Today, the 15th of August 2025, St. Irene Orthodox Mission Centre and Orphanage joins the entire Orthodox world in celebrating the Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God—the “falling asleep” of the Theotokos and her glorious reception into heaven.
With humble hearts, we gather in prayer, chanting:
“The doors of caring do now open unto us, O most blessed Theotokos, so that hoping in you we shall not fail; through you we may be delivered from adversities, for you are the salvation of the Christian faith.”
This great Feast is more than a commemoration—it is a declaration of hope. It reminds us that the Resurrection of the body is not merely a future promise, but a reality already fulfilled in the Mother of God by the will of her Son. Like the Apostles who surrounded her body in love and reverence, we too gather around the memory of our departed loved ones, commending them to Christ, and preparing our own souls for the life eternal.
Yet, as we reflect on heavenly hope, our calling here on earth is to serve the living with compassion. At St. Irene Orthodox Mission Centre, 352 children—many orphaned or from vulnerable backgrounds—find shelter, education, food, clothing, and above all, love. This is our daily ministry: to keep these little hearts warm, their bodies nourished, and their minds nurtured in the faith.
Today, we stand at a crossroads of need and opportunity:
- Dormitory Completion Project – We have completed 8 dormitory units, housing 160 children, but we still need 6 more units to ensure every child has a safe bed to sleep in.
- Modern Kitchen & Dining Hall – Our dream is to replace our small, overstretched kitchen with a modern facility that can prepare meals efficiently and a dining hall that offers dignity and comfort during meals. This project is estimated at $45,000.
- Daily Basic Needs – From school fees and uniforms to medical care and daily meals, the costs of caring for 352 children are immense, yet every shilling makes a tangible difference.
As we honor the Theotokos—the one who carried the Savior in her womb—we are reminded that every act of care for a child is an act of reverence to God. The doors of caring remain open through your generosity.
💛 You can be part of this mission of love. Your donation, whether small or large, helps us complete the dormitory, build the kitchen and dining facility, and sustain daily care for these children.
Together, we can ensure that the hope we proclaim in the Feast of the Dormition is made visible in the lives of the children we serve—hope that feeds, shelters, educates, and loves without end.
