Stavropol names laureates of charity nurse Rimma Ivanova award

The First Congress of Orthodox Women of South of Russia, held now in Stavropol, hosted the first ever ceremony of awarding prizes "For Sacrifice and Mercy" named after George Cross (old Russian soldier's order) laureate charity nurse Rimma Ivanova.

The prize was inaugurated by the Stavropol and Vladikavkaz Eparchy of the Russian Orthodox Church, Public Charity Fund "Peace and Health" and Public Organization "Union of Business Women of Stavropol Territory".

The First Congress of Orthodox Women of South of Russia, convoked on the initiative of the Stavropol and Vladikavkaz Eparchy of the Russian Orthodox Church and the Board of Women of Stavropol Territory, was held in Stavropol on May 12 under the motto "Mothers' Care of Youth". Presentations of the participants gave analysis of the moral condition of today's Russian society; particular proposals were put forward.

According to Ekaterina Lakhova, deputy chair of the State Duma Committee on labour and social policy and chair of the Union of Women of the Russian Federation, it is necessary to stop adoption of Russian orphans by foreigners. Such ban will be reasonable, since today Russia takes a range of measures to increase the interest of local families to adoption.

She has offered a number of steps towards youth education, such as: Sunday schools, the special schools for young families at Civil Registration Offices, amended broadcasting concept of electronic media (increase of the number of children's cognitive and educational programmes).