Through a highly symbolic visit on Tuesday 21 August to the Lyreio Children’s Institution, which was completely destroyed by the recent deadly fires in Eastern Attica, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Marianna V. Vardinoyannis confirmed her personal commitment, as well as that of her family, to support, in every possible way, the victims and the areas devastated by fire.
On her visit, Mrs Vardinoyannis was accompanied by the wife of the President of the Republic, Mrs. Sissy Pavlopoulou, who also showed, from the very first moment, her interest in restoring the damage suffered by the Lyreio Institution.
Mrs. Vardinoyannis and Mrs. Pavlopoulou were greeted by the Metropolitan of Kifisia, Amarousion, and Oropos, Kyrillos, and the Reverend Mother Maria, Abbess at the Holy Monastery of the Holy Trinity and Director of the Lyreio Children’s Institution, who took them on a tour of the grounds of the Institution that have suffered damages.
“I would like to thank the Μotor Oil group and Mrs. Marianna V. Vardinoyannis for the interest she showed in the Lyreio Institution from the very beginning, immediately following the total destruction it suffered, who wished to undertake the construction of the initial buildings and will give us the opportunity to have the Institution function initially”, Metropolitan Kyrillos characteristically stated.
“I always try to stand by our fellow citizens who are going through difficult times, and especially by young children. I would like for you to know that I shall continuously stand beside you until the Lyreio Institution, which performs such an important function, become operational, as it had been prior. Children are the future of our country, and we must all stand by their side”, said Mrs Vardinoyannis.
“We are all assisting in this problem we face. I am glad to see the sensitivity of the public, their solidarity and support”, said Mrs. Pavlopoulou.
Immediately following this, Mrs. Vardinoyannis prayed at the chapel located inside the Lyreio Institution and symbolically offered an icon of the Holy Trinity.
Subsequently, the two women planted a small olive tree in the courtyard of the Institution which, as Mrs Vardinoyannis characteristically stated, symbolises “hope for a better tomorrow”.
It is worth noting that the company Μotor Oil, which is part of the Vardinoyannis Group, has already begun the necessary operations to reconstruct buildings destroyed by the fire, such as construction of the children’s guest house, the reception day house, the accounting office and social welfare building, and the food storage facility.
In addition, it will replace damaged vehicles which are required to meet the transportation needs of children at the Institution.
Finally, Motor Oil will contribute to the redevelopment of, and planting of trees in, the Institution’s outdoor area.
It should be noted that, in 1967, at the Lyreio Children’s Institution, with maternal compassion and Christian love, a few dedicated nuns made the care, upbringing, and education of children with the fewest opportunities in life their purpose. The Institution’s community operates as a model “Orthodox Village” and hosts boys and girls from the first years, or even the first few months of their life, offering a warm family life which will assist them to be integrated into modern society as adults in the future.
