Orthodox Gymnasium in Luhansk Cut off from Gas Pipeline

The Orthodox Gymnasium of the Holy Martyr Barbara (Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP)) cannot begin the heating season due to indebtedness.

The headmistress of the institution, Vira Anufrienko reported to Unian that last April, representatives of the City Gas authorities cut off the gas pipeline of the gymnasia due to a debt of 22 thousand UAH.

“To heat the classrooms, the school is to pay 37 thousand UAH to City Gas that is to pay the debt and cover the cost of the repeated installation. We do not have the money despite the fact that part of the tuition costs is covered by the parents because it is a symbolic fee. Our pupils mostly come from poor families with many children. We have been looking for a sponsor for a long time but with no result so far. The Luhansk Eparchy also actively looks for funds. We pray that people should not be indifferent to the problems of children,” said Anufrienko.

According to the headmistress, 60 children study in the school now. They are taught not only the Word of God but also general education subjects. Now, the pupils are on holidays. If the necessary funds to pay off the debt and pay for the re-installation are not raised, the holidays will be prolonged for an indefinite time.

“We are not going to teach the children in the cold classes,” said Mrs. Anufrienko.

The Luhansk Eparchy of UOC-MP knows about the problems of the Orthodox gymnasium.

“In a few days, we are going to study the question in detail, and the support will surely be provided. But I can say in advance that the eparchy will not be able to pay off all the money. We need a sponsor who would donate for the development and existence of the gymnasium,” said the Secretary of the Eparchy, Protopriest Oleksandr Avdiuhin.