St. Irene Orthodox Mission Center now assists 160 vulnerable children suffering from spiritual assembly, economic, social and physical poverty. Some live with sick parents and elderly guardians who are physically and sexually abusive, while others are entirely dependent and live with caregivers employed by the mission.
Though Kenya is in a rather good position compared to neighboring countries in Sub Sahara Africa; there are still 2 million orphans and another 2 million children without any chance for schooling, daily healthy food and care. There is no safety network for the poor people resulting in desperate trying for survival like begging, stealing and prostitution with a real risk of incurring HIV/Aids and other sexual transmittable diseases.
Quit often children are the most victimized by these situations. They are often suffering the negative results of their situation through broken families, orphaned because of the passing away of the parents from Aids, living in very dangerous situations with a lack of proper health care, clean water, no access to schooling and employment.
When orphaned these children may have no other family or guardians to support them. They will have to fight for themselves, learning the hard way and shaping their view of life in a negative way.
St. Irene Orthodox Mission Center Kenya was founded in May 2010 by Fr Constantinos Eliud Muthiru and his wife Papadhia Teresa. Fr. Constantinos and his wife grew up in extreme poverty and received their educations from Orthodox sponsors. Upon graduation from school, they both decided to give back to society by taking care of the needy.
St. Irene Orthodox Mission Center started in a rented room that served as both a church and a catechetical classroom. Papadhia Teresa was instrumental during the formative years of the mission center, during this time Fr. Constantinos was a student at the Makarios III Seminary in Nairobi. It was during these first three years that St. Irene Mission Center developed into what it is today.
St. Irene Orthodox Mission Center now assists 160 vulnerable children suffering from spiritual assembly, economic, social and physical poverty. Some live with sick parents and elderly guardians who are physically and sexually abusive, while others are entirely dependent and live with caregivers employed by the mission.
Services provided are food, clothing, shelter, child care, education, health care, catechism, and spiritual guidance.
Missionaries have developed a plan to help the sick and hungry.
Vision and Mission
To contribute to a society where all children have equal chances to a dignified existence and chances to build a future
Mission Statement:
To improve the situation of orphaned children by taking care for housing, food, education and health care in a way that meets the level and the needs of the children. St Irene Orthodox Mission Center will carry out all activities within the framework of an Orthodox Christian approach.
St Irene Orthodox Mission Center will take in children irrespective their race, tribe and religion;
To provide for good pre-school education for poor children from the communities
To assist the poor stand-alone mothers in the communities to take responsibility for their families by advising and training.
Missionaries alone will not be able to make a breakthrough to the salvation of Kenyan society.
They really need support and help from everyone, regardless of skin color and religious beliefs.
Assistance to the Mission of St. Irene and more detailed information on the essence of the project can be obtained here: stireneorthodoxmission.org
Religious Tourism & St. Irene Orthodox Mission