The joint project was developed by the youth and mission department to provide psychological aid to children undergoing long-term treatment at hospitals, bedridden patients, lonely patients, and orphaned children. “We want to make the days that children spend in hospitals happier, help them forget about their pain and feel the holiday spirit. Besides, we get an opportunity to talk with these children, listen to their worries, and bring the light of faith to them,” Vyacheslav Gaplichnik explained.
Photo: http://orthos.org/
The project is being implemented by the young members of the St. Venerable Martyr Athanasius of Brest Church in Grodno who have been training for half a year to perform as clowns and jugglers. They made costumes and the necessary props and prepared a program. A professional actor and psychologist taught the young people to communicate with young patients. Since now Malysh (baby), Krepysh (dumpy), and their clown friends will be making daily visits to hospitals. The young actors will talk to children, present gifts, organize games and competitions, and show tricks to them.
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The actors debuted at a Grodno hospital a short while ago. “For the young members of our church this is a noble service. They feel great joy, but at the same time realize that the successful communication with such children requires thorough preparations, improvisation skills, and ability to quickly make decisions. However, they are full of enthusiasm and are planning to make regular visits to Grodno hospitals,” the priest noted.
Photo: http://orthos.org/
At the moment the clowns are preparing a special Christmas program that will be presented to all who are seriously ill, bedridden, and lonely. The actors will tell about the Christmas holiday, hold competitions, and present gifts to the little patients.
