His Eminence Archbishop Athenagoras of Central America visited the “Marianna V. Vardinoyannis-ELPIDA” Children’s Oncology Unit on Wednesday, 10 April 2019.
Archbishop Athenagoras was greeted by the President of the “ELPIDA Association of Friends of Children with cancer,” Mrs. Marianna V. Vardinoyannis, the Director of “Agia Sofia” and “P&A KYRIAKOU” Children’s Hospitals, Mr. Manolis Papasavvas, as well as members of the Board of Directors of “ELPIDA” and “VISION OF HOPE.”
Mrs. Vardinoyannis thanked His Eminence the Archbishop of Central America for his touching initiative to visit the children of the Unit, stressing the importance of the Church’s support and that of Greek communities around the world for the work of ELPIDA. “Support for our work from the Church, which has historically stood by our side in every possible way, embracing our work, is of special value to us. But the Greek community abroad, too – representing for us yet another Greece with inexhaustible love for our country and a willingness to contribute that transcends borders –has always been a valuable ally and supporter of our work. I am very familiar with your love of children, your unique sensitivity, as I am also very familiar with your dedication to your duties as Archbishop of Central America. Your great struggle to send the message of the Orthodox Church – a message of love, solidarity and help for our fellow man – to every corner of the globe is touching,” Mrs. Vardinoyannis stated.
Wishing to honour the Archbishop of Central America for his support, Mrs. Vardinoyannis awarded him with an honorary plaque of the “ELPIDA” Association and, together, they subsequently placed the star of the “Archdiocese of Central America” on the “ELPIDA” Wall of Stars.
His Eminence thanked Mrs. Vardinoyannis, stressing the importance of the work of “ELPIDA.” “The work of Mrs Vardinoyannis is a labour of love, work that angels do, and what I see here today truly touches me. I am pleased because I see that people exist who give of themselves to their fellow man, and I would like for you to know that we will stand by your side in every possible way.”
Immediately afterwards, His Eminence was given a tour of the Children’s Oncology Unit, where he was briefed in detail by doctors and nurses on the manner in which the Unit operates, and visited the young patients.
