NEW YORK: March 21, 2016
The St Vladimir Youth Association and Synodal Youth Committee Launch the “School Piggybank” Project

From the Editors: The St Vladimir Youth Association and Synodal Youth Department are preparing a trip to Ukraine by the Synodal Youth Choir under the direction of the talented young musician Adrian Fekula, son of Peter Fekula, the choir director of the Synodal Choir of Our Lady of the Sign. During the trip, which will take place this May and led by His Grace Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan, Deputy Secretary of the Synod of Bishops, young singers will visit holy sites, participate in divine services and give concerts of Paschal music.

In connection with this, the youth organizations have begun a “piggy-bank” program, as outlined by his Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York, addressed to parish rectors, school directors, students and teachers of parish schools of the Russian diaspora.

Dear in the Lord Parish Rectors,
Directors and Teachers of Parrish and Sunday schools:

Along with His Beatitude Metropolitan Onouphry of Kiev and All Ukraine, the St Vladimir Youth Association is organizing a trip to Ukraine by a choir of youth. During the trip, the young singers will give concerts for the clergyman and parishioners of Kiev. The singers will also visit an orphanage that is run by the clergyman of the Kievan Lavra of the Caves and will provide them material support.

During Great Lent, this good deed will take the form of a program known as the “school piggy bank.” We appeal to you to help support the poor Ukrainian orphans. Every penny donated by your children to the Ukrainian children will mean a great deal. Collected funds will be of great use and support to these parentless children. They will be especially happy to know that children their age provided this help.

Christian love is expressed in actions. We hope that during Great Lent, your children will express their love for God and their neighbor by helping the needy Ukrainian children, which will also be a stimulus to Christian spiritual growth.

Moneys should be collected up until Palm Sunday , inclusively. Checks should be written out to the Prince Vladimir Youth Association. The transfer of cash should be arranged with the Senior Priest of the Cathedral of Our Lady “of the Sign” in New York, Protopriest Andre Sommer at 646-320-7382 or via email at youthpv@gmail.com.

After the trip, all parish schools will be provided a report on how their collected donations were used. I thank you in advance, invoking Divine blessings on your Christian labors, and wish you to continue to travel the path of Great Lent and greet the Resurrected Christ with spiritual joy.

+HILARION,
Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York,
First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.