Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh: We that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak

Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh

Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh, †August 4, 2003

A Homily preached on Sunday, August 14, 1983:

Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh: We that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak 

Romans (15:1-7)

Synopsis: First of all, of course we need to see our our own weakness, our own need for God’s help to do anything good, as well as to see God’s great love for both ourselves and for all people, for He made us all in his image. If we are to help others who are blind, deaf, and dull, some both physically and spiritually, others only spiritually, to see God’s love and their greatness (made as they are in God’s image) and strive to fulfill the purity that is our high calling, we must be continually doing so ourselves. God sees us all according to the eternal beauty in which He created us. Let us strive to fulfill this beauty in reality, and encourage and exhort those around us to do the same. In Christ we are able!

Picture from

 Salt of the Earth: Metropolitan Anthony Bloom on Seeing the Beauty in Each Person

How to Approach My Brother With Down Syndrome, by Julia Toronczak

Knowing that many people have difficulties engaging people with disabilities, Julia gives some helpful advice:

The Mighty: How to Approach My Brother With Down Syndrome

 Julia has her own blog, Beyond the Waves in which she shares other ways that Michael has inspired her in other posts, such as:

Coping with a Down Syndrome Diagnosis– A Twin’s Perspective

A Beautiful New Book Featuring Some Beautiful Down Syndrome Children

Why World Down Syndrome Awareness Day is Important

A Calming Device to Take You Under the Sea

Michael And My College Swimming Career

And there are more; scroll to the very bottom of each post and and you find the next post.

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You Tube:

St. Elizabeth Convent, Minsk: The Equine Therapy

Riding Horses can work wonders for children with disabilities. St. Elizabeth Convent in Minsk, Belarus has such a program. Trained and certified equine specialists conduct the therapy sessions with the help of the sisters. To learn more . . .

To access the story:

The Equine Therapy: New Friends, New Treatment

A You Tube Video from another such program which shows and explains how equine therapy helps those with disabilities:

The Dancer

Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese: Statement on Human Life

Statement on Issues Concerning the Sanctity and Dignity of Human Life

Voir ci dessous

We believe that the willful abortion of children is an act of murder. … We recognize our moral obligationto be a supportive community for those who adopt homeless, unwanted, or disabled children. We are followers of the One Who said, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10).  . . . .

The Virgin Mary and Elizabeth with Jesus and John the Baptist before birth

 

 

 

The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America has consistently spoken out in defense of the sanctity of life, and has done so in connection with contemporary threats to the life of the unborn, the handicapped, the infirm, and the elderly; ….

The Orthodox Church and Orthodox Christians have a moral obligation to work for the creation and maintenance of Orthodox adoption agencies and for the facilitation of adoption procedures for families to consider adopting a homeless or unwanted or disabled infant, ….

From the Word Magazine

A Publication of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

February 1994, pp. 4-6

 

Honorary Graduate 2018 – Sarah Gordy – Doctor of Laws

St. Elizabeth Convent in Minsk, Belarus: The Festive Play in the Boarding Home for People with Special Needs

The patients who live in the Boarding Home No.3 for the mentally challenged in Novinki consider Thursdays and Fridays special. These are the days when the Convent comes to them. Our sisters sing the Akathist in the Boarding Home every Thursday and celebrate the Divine Liturgy every Friday.  . . . .

Human interaction makes people happy. Many people can communicate simultaneously via theatrical performances and songs. They can communicate directly, face-to-face, too. It’s great to have someone who can listen to what you have to say. You suddenly realize that there is someone who cares about you.

And there are plays:

To access: 

The Festive Play in the Boarding Home for People with Special Needs