Penza, 15 May 2016. PenzaNews. The first stone has been placed at the construction site of the charity foundation “Pokrov” motherhood and childhood assistance center in Penza. The ceremony took place on International Family Day on Sunday, May 15.

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During the event, people visiting the ceremony had an option to put money in the donation box to contribute to the center’s construction.

In an address to the public, the Penza region governor Ivan Belozertsev pointed out that Russia and the region in particular pays great attention to protection of motherhood and childhood.

“A mother who decides to have a child must be confident in having all the support after the birth, be sure that her child will go to school, receive good education, have everything necessary for medical service, for being engaged in sports, culture and a variety of other activities,” said the head of the region.

In turn, Archbishop Serafim of Penza and Nizhny Novgorod stressed that “if the family disappears, Russia will disappear.”

“Today, all our community must push for teaching women how to be mothers, and men how to become fathers, so that having a child and bringing up the new generation would be seen as the main objective for all Russians,” he added.

According to Anna Kuznetsova, president of the charity foundation in support of family, motherhood and childhood “Pokrov,” the new center will have all the best features of her organization gained over the recent period of time.

“All that was made possible only thanks to all of us act together – the regional authorities, the clergy, the caring people, the experts, the professionals who are helping with their abilities and talents. All who are able to give material support were gathered together. I think this is the main sign that tells us that all will be well,” she pointed out.

Also, Anna Kuznetsova presented emblems of “Pokrov” made by young mothers living in the motherhood shelter to all people who are contributing to the foundation’s development.

Following that, the event organizers unveiled the plaque saying: “This will be the location of the charity foundation ‘Pokrov’ motherhood and childhood assistance center, with support of the Penza diocese, the Penza region government and all caring citizens of Penza.”

The plaque, which was held during the ceremony by the young people painted as statues, was unveiled by Anna Kuznetsova, Ivan Belozertsev and Archbishop Serafim.

Following that, the archbishop sanctified the land that will house the shelter.

After the celebration, all women present at the event received roses, as a token of the Orthodox holiday – Day of Myrrh Bearer Wives – which fell on May 15 this year.