“Since 7th grade, I dreamed of becoming a medical doctor and helping others. When I attended my first biology class, I knew that I would go to Medical School. In 9th grade, Saint Paraskeva Orthodox Charity came into my life and offered me a scholarship to cover my high school expenses at Varlaam School in Iasi. I was filled with gratitude for all the support I received. I studied hard, made good grades, and successfully graduated high school. In July 2022, I was admitted into the Medical School in Iasi. I am now a medical student and working towards my dream of becoming a doctor. I could not have made it this far without help from God, from the Mother of God, and from Saint Paraskeva who stood by my side every step of the way. I am thankful for all the financial support I received from Saint Paraskeva Orthodox Charity, from people who did not even know me but still supported me. I hope that someday I will be able to repay the generosity shown to me by helping others in need.”
Atanasia PANTEA
Former SPOC scholarship recipient and currently 2nd year medicine student at Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi
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“My name is Ana, and I am very happy to tell you that I’ve managed to get into medical school in July of 2023. I am writing this message to thank the Saint Paraskeva Orthodox Charity for the huge help they have provided for me these last 4 years of high school. I can only imagine how much harder it would’ve been to succeed without them and God’s will, and I can’t thank them enough for working hard to support me on this journey. This organization is helping thousands of children in Romania, and I’m calling on all of you to keep supporting them so they can succeed in life just how this Charity believes I will.”
Ana GROZAVU
Former SPOC scholarship recipient and currently 1st year medicine student at Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi
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“I recently attended an event where Dr. Mariana Cuceu, MD, Ph.D., explained the scope and approach of the St. Paraskeva Charity Foundation’s outreach ministries. My wife and I were amazed by their grasp of the circumstances and needs of various communities, monasteries, orphanages, and charitable groups in Romania. We were touched, impressed, and inspired by how St. Paraskeva Charity Foundation coordinates efforts, financially supports, and logistically supports so many in need.
We are so grateful to Dr. Cuceu for giving us a glimpse into so much happening in those areas of Romania and for sharing her direct experience, involvement, and leadership. If anyone needs assurance of this group’s worthiness of their support, we felt convinced it was worthy of ours. May God have mercy on those immersing themselves in His service, feeding the hungry, clothing and housing the homeless, supporting orphans, the elderly, and more, and may God have mercy on us all.
Unworthily in Christ,“
Mike & Liz STRONG
Donors’ Testimonies Fundraiser Event, Denton TX, March 2023
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“I felt that meeting Mrs. Mariana and learning about St. Paraskeva was a great blessing for me. It reminded me of how present the saints are…we simply need to call on them for help. It was an inspiration to hear her story. I feel that I need to learn more about St. Paraskeva now. “
Katherine FREDERICK
Donors’ Testimonies Fundraiser Event, Denton TX, March 2023
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“It was such a pleasure to learn more about Saint Paraskeva Orthodox Charity (SPOC) in Romania and to hear, in person, from the Foundation’s President, Dr. Mariana Cuceu.
It was very moving to hear about Dr. Cuceu’s journey from her studies and work in Chicago for 27 years and her physical struggles, to her connections with Saint Paraskeva and how this led her to full-time volunteer work with SPOC in US and Romania. Hearing her decision to move to Romania where she now volunteers for SPOC full-time rather than pursuing a medical practice displayed her love, humility, and devotion to the work being done through SPOC. What was even more extraordinary was learning that Dr. Cuceu is not only helping orphans, those impoverished, and displaced but also is instrumental in building houses and churches to further sustain these communities and parishes. It was such a great pleasure to have been afforded the opportunity to learn about SPOC and support this tremendous effort by Dr. Cuceu. Her example truly displays how we can love God and love our neighbor. Therefore, I am thankful for the opportunity to not only see another aspect of the work God is completing through SPOC in Romania but to also take part in those efforts.
Glory to God,”
Mario Anthony REYES
Donors’ Testimonies Fundraiser Event, Denton TX, March 2023
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“What stood out to me was the Organization’s focus on providing the orphans with a safe and nurturing environment, as well as access to education and other essential resources through the love of Christ. Mrs. Mariana Cuceu is dedicated to ensuring that these children receive the support they need to succeed in life, despite the many challenges they face. It is clear Mrs. Mariana has dedicated her life to helping others and making a positive impact in the world. Her story of how Saint Paraskeva helped her in her time of need is truly touching and heartwarming. She has inspired my faith and vigor in the Church. God bless her in everything she does. “
Bryce CUNNINGHAM
Donors’ Testimonies Fundraiser Event, Denton TX, March 2023
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“My impression about the fundraising event was very good; it was very impressive. Mrs. Mariana’s life story and the miracle coming upon her health from Saint Paraskeva were amazing. After coming home, I entered the site and searched about Saint Paraskeva Orthodox Charity and read about the achievements of donors and volunteers supporting this mission. It is amazing that with God’s help, this mission is able to offer such assistance to children, elderly abandoned by their families, war refugees, and others living in poverty. This mission is exactly what we are looking for to give our modest financial support from time to time. God bless everyone involved in this SPOC mission. May Saint Paraskeva be merciful upon the children, elderly and everybody in need. God bless you, my friends, for everything you are doing.”
Uca HALMAGEAN
Donors’ Testimonies Fundraiser Event, Denton TX, March 2023
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“Mrs. Mariana is so refreshing to be around. She is vibrant because of her faith. She readily admits that God is guiding her through the intercession of Saint Paraskeva. Her laughter is the laughter of someone who recognizes the gifts she has been given, the joy of sharing it, and the wonder that is happening in the “here and now,” almost as if to say: “Look at the wonders God has given me, can you believe it? My life is a miracle.” Who can deny that her life, as she lives it now, is a true miracle? In 2022 the Saint Paraskeva Charity fund provided ongoing assistance to 3,777 disadvantaged children, 638 elderly, and 320 women facing pregnancy crises. That’s 4,735 lives impacted!”
Leonard GARGALIANO
Donors’ Testimonies Fundraiser Event, Denton TX, March 2023
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Romania and its people are always close to my heart. I fondly remember the first time I witnessed Romanian worship. I was overwhelmed by the piety, tenderness and love they exhibited when ALL parishioners approached the Holy Gospel to touch it, and to touch one another, as the Gospel of the day was read in church. It was at this moment that I knew I had found my home as a new convert to the Holy Orthodox Church. When Mariana Cuceu first told me of Saint Paraskeva and the blessed miracles she performed, and continues to perform, I knew that I must give whatever support I could to assist this blessed Saint in the healing and love she shares with us all from Heaven. As a guest on the talk show I produce, Worldview on WBEZ radio in Chicago, Ms. Cuceu revealed to our audience how Saint Paraskeva unifies the Romanian people through an unbreakable circle of Faith, strength and love. I encourage all to give whatever they can – be it prayers, sweat or currency, to assist Saint Paraskeva Orthodox Charity in giving comfort and hope to God’s blessed children. This Holy work truly embodies Matthew Chapter 25: verses 31-45.
May the prayers of our Holy Fathers, our Blessed Mother and all of the Saints continue to be with the workers and children of Saint Paraskeva Orthodox Charity and with the Romanian people.
Steven D. BYNUM
A Most Unworthy Slave of Christ
Senior Producer at WBEZ/Chicago Public Media
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Open your heart!
The story of the Lotus is very powerful. Underneath the surface the Lotus is surrounded by mud and muck, dirty rough conditions. Despite these circumstances the flower maintains strength and pushes aside each of these dirty obstacles as it makes its way to clear surface. We as the Lotus could grow naturally toward the warmth and light of the Truth, Love and Compassion. There are many children that live in poverty and they can never make it to the surface so they can blossom. They are eager to feel the sunshine of the life. We all can rise above our circumstances and help others. The conditions that produce beautiful life are not always ideal but that never stops the Lotus from rising through adversity opening its petals and blossoming in the sun. Sure we can relate to this Lotus and see ourself in this story.
Internationally acclaimed artist and member of the Romanian American Academy of Arts and Science