post
post
An occupational therapy workshop for people with disabilities operates at an Orthodox church in Moscow. It has become a place of renewal for individuals like a young woman who recovered from a coma after a severe head injury. From a young age, Father Vasily felt a calling to help others. As a cleric at the Church of St. Nicholas on Three Hills, he established a sewing and pottery workshop for people with disabilities. The priest aims to support adults with disabilities, who often find themselves left to navigate life independently after turning 18. At the St. Nicholas Workshop, adults with disabilities can secure stable employment and receive ongoing support. Father Vasily selected activities that enhance fine motor skills and promote mental well-being. The workshop's journey began with a small sewing studio, but within months, it grew to take on its first orders and expanded to include pottery classes. Father Vasily values the way his trainees learn to maintain professional relationships and take responsibility for their work, noting the profound therapeutic effect it has. Almost all the workshop participants have faced disabilities from birth, except for young Olya. She had led a vibrant life and excelled in her studies, but at 17, she was involved in a car accident. After suffering a severe head injury, she fell into a coma. Doctors doubted her survival, but Olya defied the odds and regained consciousness. Her grandmother brought her to the church, initially staying by her side constantly. However, the workshop helped Olya become more independent. Olya enjoys sewing bags, a craft that has helped her manage muscle spasms and partially restore her vision. She speaks warmly of her fellow trainees. Just a few months ago, she believed her life was over, but now she is making plans for the future and dreams of becoming a professional seamstress. The St. Nicholas Workshop has transformed Olya's life and the lives of many others with disabilities. To sustain Father Vasily's mission, a fundraiser has been launched (https://mirom.help/project/zarplata-administratoru-nikolskoj-masterskoj/) . The church continues to care tirelessly for those in need. Beyond the St. Nicholas Workshop, the Synodal Department for Charity and Social Service of the Russian Orthodox Church coordinates over 4,500 projects (https://t.me/church_charity) .