Novosibirsk, August 30, 2010
The missionary ship "Apostle Andrew the First Called" has visited 18 populated areas of Novosibirsk province.
The floating Orthodox church received hundreds of the faithful over the past two weeks. For many of these people the missionary ship provides the only opportunity they have to receive the Sacraments, buy religious literature, and take holy water, reports news agency Interfax – Religion, whose correspondents spoke with representatives of the Novosibirsk diocese.
Priests on the mission ship made house visits to the ill, blessed homes, and conducted missionary talks with local inhabitants.
Also working on the ship was a team of doctors from various fields of medicine. An office was set up on board with cardiogram and ultra-sound equipment. As the organizers said, the importance of this medical assistance cannot be overestimated, since people in these far-flung regions have no access to medical specialists.
Material assistance was also provided to the poor, and discount eye-glasses were available.
The fourteenth consecutive year of the floating church's missionary work will end until next year on the evening of August 31 in Novosibirsk.
