A Blessing to Our Children
At the heart of every mission is love and at the heart of our mission at St. Irene Orthodox Mission Centre and Orphanage is His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Kenya, a spiritual father whose deep affection for children reflects the love of Christ Himself.
Through the archbishop’s encouragement and blessings, I was able to found St. Irene Orthodox Mission Centre and Orphanage, a place where vulnerable children find not only food, shelter, and education, but also love, spiritual formation, and hope for the future. His Eminence has been a constant source of support, inspiration, and paternal care not just to the mission, but to every child he encounters.
Recently, His Eminence spent time with children in Nairobi, Kenya. The joy was unmistakable his gentle demeanor and infectious smile brought peace and warmth to the young souls around him. Watching him interact with the children, one could sense a divine presence — a shepherd lovingly tending to his flock, sowing seeds of hope into tender hearts.
As St. John Chrysostom so beautifully reminds us:
When we teach our children to be good, to be gentle, to be forgiving (all these are attributes of God), to be generous, to love their fellow men, to regard this present age as nothing, we instill virtue in their souls, and reveal the image of God within them.”
These words echo in the life and work of Archbishop Makarios, who tirelessly advocates for the well-being of the youth, understanding that the future of the Church and the nation depends on nurturing their souls today.
At St. Irene, we strive daily to follow this holy example. Our children are not only being educated, clothed, and fed, but they are being formed in the image and likeness of God — through love, discipline, prayer, and service. With leaders like His Eminence standing by us, we are reminded that this mission is not ours alone; it is the work of the whole Church.
We thank God for the life of Archbishop Makarios. His legacy is written not just in church walls or documents, but in the hearts of countless children who now smile, dream, and walk boldly in faith because he believed in them.
Long live our beloved Archbishop!
May his love for children and Christ continue to inspire many to serve with humility and compassion.
~ Fr. Constantinos
Founder, St Irene Orthodox Mission Centre and Orphanage
