The project started working at the diocesan Center for the Protection of Family, Motherhood and Childhood "Monastery of Mercy"
The project "Spiritual First Aid kit for pregnant Mothers" has started at the diocesan Center for the Protection of the Family, Motherhood and Childhood "Monastery of Mercy" in Kurgan. It is aimed at providing spiritual support to pregnant women and mothers on maternity leave. The initiative is being implemented with the support of the Synodal Department for Charity within the framework of the second competition of church family projects, which was organized by the Department in the spring of 2026.
Participants of the new project can make a free pilgrimage trip to the village of Chernavskoye in the Kurgan region, where a veil embroidered by the Holy Empress Alexandra Feodorovna for her godson is kept in the church in honor of St. Prokopius of Ustyuzha. As part of the project, women also receive a set of "Spiritual First-aid kit for pregnant Mothers", which includes the Gospel, a prayer book, holy water, a rosary bracelet and an information booklet from the Monastery of Mercy Center. In addition, they are given a "Baby Dowry Box", which includes basic necessities for the newborn.
As part of the project, on June 27, the first pilgrimage trip took place to the village of Chernavskoye, where priests performed a prayer service for well-being in childbirth at the veil. After the prayer service, the rector of the church, Archpriest Pavel Balin, told about the appearance of the shrine in the village. The meeting ended with a joint meal and socializing.
In addition to pregnant women, those who went to thank God for their newfound family happiness took part in the pilgrimage.
According to Natalia Ulyanova, head of the Monastery of Mercy Center, the registration for the next pilgrimage trip, which will take place in July, is already open. To do this, write to the community messages in VK.
All interested pregnant women take part in the project, preference is given to those who have been to pre-abortion counseling and decided to stay pregnant.
The first competition of church family projects was held by the Synodal Department for Charity from December 29, 2025 to January 31, 2026. It received 20 applications from 7 regions with low birth rates, which were included in the geography of the competition. According to the results of the competition, 7 winners were determined.
The second competition of church family projects was held by the Synodal Department for Charity from April 16 to May 3, 2026. According to the results of the competition, 24 winners out of 55 applications were determined.