On Holy Saturday, Metropolitan Andrei visited the elderly from the Care and Assistance Center for the Elderly “Coverage of the Mother of God” in Turda

On Holy Saturday, May 4, 2024, His Holiness Father Andrei, Archbishop of Vad, Feleac and Cluj and Metropolitan of Cluj, Maramureș and Sălaj, visited the elderly housed in the Care and Assistance Center for the Elderly “Coverage of the Mother of God” in Turda, Cluj county . On this occasion, the hierarch addressed them with spiritual advice and exhortations, blessed them and offered them red eggs, prayer books and icons with the Resurrection of the Lord.

Every year, around the big holidays, Father Metropolitan Andrei visits several care centers in the Archdiocese of Cluj, thus expressing his care and compassion for those in need, as well as his gratitude for the staff who take care of them. At the same time, the pastoral visit is also part of the context of the proclamation of the year 2024, by the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church, as a “Homage Year of Pastoral Care and Care of the Sick”.

The Care and Assistance Center for the Elderly “The Covering of the Mother of God” in Turda offers accommodation for an indefinite period, medical assistance and care, palliative care, psychological counseling, socialization and spending free time to a number of 120 elderly people, of which approximately 80 are immobilized in bed.

The Turda center was established in 2004, and in addition to medical and socio-medical services, which constitute the basic services, the assisted persons benefit from a varied range of cultural and social activities, excursions and, last but not least, counseling spiritual. Morning and evening prayers are held daily in the Center’s chapel, and the Holy Liturgy is held on Sundays and holidays, according to what was stated by the Center’s director, Father Vasile Știopei.

Currently, the Archdiocese of Cluj has 62 projects and social programs, which provide shelter, food, clothing, medicines, medical and palliative care, education for children and young people, ease the suffering of the sick and give hope where there is none. Thus, according to last year’s data, the total amount of 28,130,305 lei was spent for philanthropic purposes through religious units, associations and diocesan foundations, benefiting 18,396 people.

More photos HERE

Author: Darius Echim / Metropolis of Cluj

Photo credit: Deanery of Turda