With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Vladimir, on Friday, 7 March, the blessing of the Sections within the Ministry of Internal Affairs Hospital took place. The service was officiated by Protopriest Marin Cij, Chairman of the Synodal Sector for Spiritual Activity in Medical Institutions, together with a group of clergy.
During this significant event, the rite of blessing was performed for the following sections:
- Therapy Section No. 1, which includes specialisations in cardiology and pulmonology;
- Therapy Section No. 2, dedicated to patients with gastroenterology, endocrinology, rheumatology, nephrology, and hepatology conditions;
- The Medical Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine Section, where patients benefit from treatments for recovery and health strengthening.
The service was conducted in the presence of medical staff, patients, and the hospital management, all receiving the prayers of blessing and sanctification with devotion.
Following this spiritual rite, it was decided that the patron saint of these sections would be Saint Hierarch Luke of Crimea, the protector of doctors and healer of the sick. This great saint of the 20th century, himself a surgeon and servant of the altar, is an example of the union between medical science and profound faith in God.
In his sermon, Father Marin Cij spoke about the life and work of Saint Luke of Crimea, emphasising the importance of the presence of a serving priest in medical institutions. Through the administration of the Holy Sacraments, patients receive both spiritual and physical strength, while medical staff are blessed in their mission of alleviating suffering. Father Marin also highlighted the role of prayer and fasting in the life of every believer, as means through which God bestows grace and support in life hardship.
At the conclusion of the event, the medical staff expressed gratitude to the serving clergy for the prayers offered and for bringing blessings upon the institution, its personnel, and its patients. The occasion served as an opportunity for spiritual strengthening and the realisation that medicine and faith go hand in hand in the work of healing and alleviating human suffering.
Synodal Sector for Spiritual Activity in Medical Institutions