Photo via renner.org

House of Mercy leaders awarded during Russia's 'Year of the Family'

Sasha and Lilit Gorelovi, the couple who operate the House of Mercy, received a very high honor last week: the Order of St Peter and St. Huron of Murom. This medal is usually reserved for Russian Orthodox families and is only infrequently awarded. The last person to receive this award was Patriarch Alexei II, the current head of the Russian Orthodox Church, reports Christian Telegraph and Rick Renner MInistries.

Russia's population has been steadily declining over the past 20 years. To combat this problem, the government introduced a new program last year to boost the birth rate. They announced that 2007 would be known as The Year of the Child. Posters of parents with babies were put up throughout the city, and families were paid for having children born in 2007.

Subsequently, 2008 was declared as The Year of the Family. This year people with large families are being celebrated and honored. Sasha and Lilit have six children of their own. In addition, they have dedicated their lives to working with homeless and orphaned youth at the House of Mercy. The Gorelovi family was chosen because of their dedication to children and because of Sasha's efforts as a first- response firefighter in Moscow.

God has honored Sasha and Lilit for their commitment toward children. Their children, along with all the kids from the House of Mercy, joined them on February 10 for the presentation of this prestigious and unexpected award.

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[03/03/2008]

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