Prayer, relief, shelter, and hope. ✥ Eastern Orthodox – Orphans & Children of War Outreach ✥
“Whoever receives one such child in My Name, receives Me.” — Matthew 18:5
Founded on August 18th, 2011 by Rassaphore Monk Vladimir, and in conjunction with the Orthodox Order of Saint Anna and its Grand Commandery of Arizona - Orthodox Order of Saint Anna, this outreach was originally established to assi
st orphans in Eastern Europe, especially in Ukraine, Belarus, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, and North Macedonia, as a Pan-Orthodox effort. For Ukraine, our work began years before the present war, offering support to children who were orphaned due to poverty, illness, abuse, neglect, or the death of parents. Since the beginning of the ongoing conflict, the situation has grown even more severe, and the number of children in need has greatly increased. Shortly after the war in Syria began, we expanded our ministry to Syrian orphans, and as further wars and humanitarian crises emerged in other regions, our outreach continued to grow so that no suffering child is forgotten. While this work began with Rassophore Monk Vladimir and the Orthodox Order of Saint Anna, the St. Basil of the Desert Orthodox Hermitage has now taken the lead in continuing and expanding this mission, as of November 8th, 2025, the Feast of the Holy Archangels. Our goals have not changed, only the urgency and scope of the needs we are called to meet. We continue to work closely with the Orthodox Order of Saint Anna, and partner with NGOs, Orthodox parishes, monasteries, clergy, laity, humanitarian networks, and local caregivers, working with all who share the calling to protect and care for orphans, and children affected by war. How We Serve
We support the care of orphans, and children of war by:
• Working with trusted NGO partners and Orthodox clergy on the ground
• Supporting organizations engaged in orphan care and orphanage operations
• Fundraising for Orthodox Church–sponsored orphanages and children in crisis
• Raising awareness of the needs and suffering of war-affected children
• Coordinating with Orthodox parishes, monasteries, and missions to send requested supplies directly to Aid Groups and Orphanages
• Providing food, clothing, hygiene care, medicine, school supplies, and shelter
• Assisting with education, trauma recovery, stability, and spiritual care
Every child is a living icon of Christ. We do not take sides in political conflict. We take the side of the child.
✥ Mission Statement ✥
“A father to the fatherless and defender of the orphan is God in His holy habitation.” (Psalm 68:5)
We serve orphans, and children of war with compassion, relief, shelter, education, and prayer, recognizing that each child bears the image and likeness of God. Our mission is to restore childhood where it has been stolen, and hope where it has been shattered.
✥ Prayer for the Children of War ✥
O Lord Jesus Christ,
Protector of the innocent and Consoler of the sorrowful,
look with mercy upon the children who suffer amid the violence of war. Strengthen the frightened. Heal the wounded in body and soul. Comfort those who weep. Send Your holy angels to guard them,
Your saints to intercede for them,
and Your people to love and protect them. Restore to them the joy of childhood,
the peace of safety,
and the light of hope that cannot be extinguished. For You are the Savior of the helpless
and the Father of us all;
and to You we give glory,
together with Your eternal Father
and Your life-giving Holy Spirit,
now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
✥ Lord, have mercy on the little ones. ✥
✥ Remember them, O Christ. ✥
