Ordre de Saint-Gabriel

Author name: ordreDeSaint-Gabriel

Christian children of the East

Action in favor of Christian children in the East

The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, chaired by former Minister Laurent Wauquiez, and the entire Regional Council, as well as the CPME (Confederation of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises of the Rhône), chaired by François Turcas, are supporting the Association of Hospital Works of Saint-Gabriel (AOHSG). Companies can make donations in cash or in inventory (books and school supplies, educational or early learning games, recreational games, language learning (French), etc.) and benefit from a 60% tax deduction on the donation amount, up to a limit of 0.5% of turnover (for France). More information: https://www.ordre-de-saint-gabriel.eu – or call 0033 (0)6 80 03 31 65

Andzaha Health

News from ANDZAHA SANTÉ

At the end of March, little Asmeralda was born in our maternity ward. She unfortunately has a congenital malformation: syndactyly (the fingers of both hands are partially stuck together). Surgery will be necessary to restore normal use of her fingers. This procedure can be performed at the age of one. Our association made the financial decision because her parents cannot afford it. This is a concrete example of our work and motivates us even more. This month, we performed a total of 586 medical procedures. The month of April also saw the number of Covid cases explode in Madagascar, which is facing a second wave much more severe than the first. Our Health Center was not immune to this epidemic; several members of our staff were affected; fortunately, all cases were mild. Today everyone is back on their feet and doing well.

Rahki Foundation

RHAKI Foundation – Activity Report From April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021

In 2021, the Hospital Works of Saint Gabriel, in partnership with RHAKI, once again distinguished themselves through sustained action for the children of the Irulas tribe in India. Our local partner, ENLIGHT Mission, based in Alampooni, southern India, continued tirelessly to support the mothers and children of the Irulas tribe, despite the difficulties caused by the pandemic. The operational area of RHAKI FOUNDATION / ENLIGHT MISSION is outlined in red. A total budget of €19,644 in donations received during the 2021 fiscal year allowed us to finance several initiatives: Education: €6,634 Purchase of cows: €5,288 Purchase of goats: €5,218 Sewing and embroidery training: €2,033 Gardening training: €333 Remote management: €138 We also financed the schooling and higher education of eight young people, as well as their teachers. Following our individualized development support approach, we purchased 15 cows, which were distributed across three villages. Additionally, 105 goats were distributed across 11 villages. Our target of 150 goats could not be reached due to the cancellation of goat markets caused by the intensity of the COVID-19 pandemic; to compensate, each donor receives a receipt. In the field of sewing and embroidery: Training continued for women in difficulty, with funding for a teacher. However, COVID-19 prevented the completion of the official certificate. This will be issued in 2022. As part of our aid strategy, we launched a new agricultural project. A pilot village was chosen to implement the project, which focuses on teaching the planting of vegetables and fruit trees. Women who complete the training receive a certificate of competence. Once again, we focus only on initiatives that enable beneficiaries to learn skills and create income-generating activities to support their families. The Order of Saint Gabriel’s policy has always been not to hand out charity, but to create dignified, revenue-generating activities. In the area of administrative organization: We recruited a young Indian woman who manages the financial distribution for each initiative. Please help us in our various works. Without you, we can do little; with you, we can move mountains and reduce suffering in the world. Remember, for every donation you make to the Association of the Hospital Works of Saint Gabriel, you will receive a tax receipt allowing you to deduct 66% of the amount from your income tax. Donations can be made through our website under the “Make a Donation” tab, specifying the initiative that interests you. Thank you to everyone for your involvement and for bringing a smile to each child and their mother.

Carmel Saint-Joseph of Mechref

Lebanon’s future is linked to the maintenance of the educational system – Carmel Saint-Joseph de Mechref

In 2022, the Order of Saint Gabriel is organizing its humanitarian action for the Christian children of the Middle East and all Lebanese children who have long been affected by ongoing political instability. Carmel Saint-Joseph College (CCSJ) of Mechref The Order of Saint Gabriel, in partnership with the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region and CPME, whom we thank for their invaluable support, has initially decided to send several containers of food and clothing valued at €20,000. The first shipments took place in May 2022. A second, more structured phase is dedicated to electrifying the College with a photovoltaic system, with a budget of €80,000. A team of engineers visited the site to conduct a feasibility study. The ACI Group, an industrial consortium, contributes €5,000 to the development of the photovoltaic project for the College’s lighting system. History and Mission In 1935, the French congregation of Carmel Saint Joseph, originating from the Mâcon region in France, was established in Lebanon. It founded the technical school of Carmel Saint Joseph in Beirut in 1936. In 1947, it moved to Verdun Street, creating an institution under the Lebanese Ministry of Education, offering all levels of education. From 1968, alongside Lebanese programs, Carmel Saint Joseph also implemented French curricula, preparing students for both the French and Lebanese Baccalaureates. Since 1997, CCSJ has been among the first schools fully accredited by France. Throughout Lebanon’s war years, CCSJ remained open, providing a full academic curriculum as well as a place of culture and community engagement, demonstrating cultural resilience. In 1995, after the Verdun Street lease expired, the CCSJ relocated to Mechref – Damour, at the crossroads of regions and religions, continuing its mission to educate responsible citizens of Lebanon, regardless of social, political, or religious affiliation. The educational project of CCSJ emphasizes responsible coexistence, social and religious diversity, hospitality, dialogue, autonomy, responsibility, and social engagement. The project also values Arabic language and culture while promoting universal knowledge and critical thinking through French language and culture. CCSJ provides a center of excellence for education, dialogue, and culture for the youth of its region and all Lebanese youth, aiming at intellectual, human, and civic development. Through its educational mission, this school symbolizes the future of Lebanon. It is a place of fruitful dialogue between enlightened Islam and open Christianity. A place of openness and dialogue dedicated to “Living Together.” “THE FUTURE OF LEBANON DEPENDS ON MAINTAINING THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM” About CCSJ College CCSJ College includes: Three educational units: Kindergarten and primary school, middle school (2 classes per grade, 6th-3rd), and high school (2 classes per grade, 10th-12th). Over 700 students from diverse social and religious backgrounds: Christians, Shiites, Sunnis, and Druze. Languages taught: Arabic, French, and English; French is the main language of daily communication. Examinations prepared: Lebanese Brevet and Baccalaureate; French Baccalaureate, with an excellent success rate (100% pass with 90% honors). Accredited by France: Teachers benefit from supervision and programs of AEFE (Agency for French Education Abroad). High-quality academic and human education enables students to pursue higher education in Lebanon and worldwide, especially in French universities and higher education institutions. Carmel Saint Joseph receives no funding from the Lebanese State. It covers all operating costs, including salaries, through tuition fees paid by families. Since October 2019, Lebanon has faced severe political, economic, and health crises: 90% devaluation of the Lebanese pound; bank funds frozen. Soaring prices for essentials: bread, flour, fuel… State electricity only 2 hours/day; the rest powered by a generator costing $1,000/week. Business closures and mass layoffs. Poverty rate reaches 70%; middle class also affected. Many parents cannot afford school fees for their children. If you are moved by the plight of these children, you can help through a small act of solidarity. Donations are eligible for a 66% tax deduction. Please make your contribution via the “Donate” tab on the right of the page. We thank you sincerely. MAKE A DONATION – on the right of the page The slideshow below provides an overview and insight into CCSJ – Mechref. Each photo is labeled with its subject, covering 30 topics including Activities, Sports, Arts, Choir, Competitions, Campus facilities, Ceremonies, and Visits from notable figures.

Carmel Saint-Joseph of Mechref

News from Mechref College in Lebanon regarding the “Solar Panels” project, as part of the “Works in favor of Christian Children of the Orient”.

We are pleased to announce that our project in support of the children of Mechref College in Lebanon has been successfully completed. The Order of Saint Gabriel, together with its industrial partner SUNGY, has installed a photovoltaic electrification system covering the electricity needs for lighting and air conditioning in the administration building of the college. A total budget of €200,000 is required to meet the needs of the entire college… Thanks to the support of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, CPME, our partner the Petram Foundation (Switzerland), the XXL Association (Switzerland), and industrial partners including the ACI Group and TOTEM, we were able to implement a diverse program of actions. If you wish to participate in our work, do not hesitate to join us through our national associations (France, Switzerland, Hungary, Greece, Cyprus, Germany, …) Electrification of school buildings Sending 3 containers filled with school supplies and clothing Purchasing food supplies We would like to thank all our partners and members of the Order whose generosity and personal commitment allow us to help the most disadvantaged. We would be delighted to welcome you and write a page of humanity together. Your support is essential to complete our project. All donations are directly allocated without intermediary fees, and all our members work voluntarily. Furthermore, any donation made comes with a tax receipt allowing a 66% deduction (in France) from your taxable income.

Operation “Books for Burkinabe schoolchildren”

Operation “Books for Burkinabe schoolchildren”

Book and School Supplies Drive for Burkina Faso The Order of Saint Gabriel, whose mission is to help disadvantaged children, organized a book and school supplies drive in Switzerland thanks to the dedication of the Swiss Chapter of the Order and the National Association of Saint Gabriel Hospital Works. In partnership with Payot Bookstores, this marked the 14th edition of the operation, held from April 27 to May 7 across numerous local shopping centers: 13 Payot Bookstores; 7 Nature & Découvertes stores in Switzerland; 200 Coop supermarkets in French-speaking Switzerland. The collection was highly successful, allowing four containers to be filled between June 15 and July 4. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, furniture and children’s toys were also included. Results of the Drive 371 pieces of furniture (wardrobes, shelves, chairs, tables, etc.) 146 children’s toys (puzzles, board games, small bicycles, plush toys, etc.) 80 boxes of tableware 62 boxes of tools 48 bags of children’s clothing 3,072 boxes of books The tableware is destined for the Culinary School of Ouagadougou, a vocational school scheduled to open this autumn to train young people. Admission requires basic literacy and numeracy only; no certificates are needed. There is a high demand for bakers in the country, and this school meets economic needs. The tools are intended for CERMICOL (Center for the Education and Reintegration of Minors in Conflict with the Law), a vocational training center for juvenile offenders in Bobo Dioulasso. Although the center has excellent facilities, it has very limited equipment. Thanks to the commitment of our partners, the Order of Saint Gabriel warmly thanks everyone who contributed to this project, organized by the Swiss Association of Saint Gabriel Hospital Works: Payot Bookstores, for providing the books; The Isabelle Chevalley Association, for managing logistics, loading the supplies, and overseeing distribution in Burkina Faso with the support of the NGO Nouvelle Planète; MSC Foundation, for funding the transport and donating the four containers that will serve as mobile libraries in Burkina Faso. Photos

Hungary Chapter

ODSG & AIOHSG Éves Kongresszus 2022 Budapesten – HU

Congress of the Order of Saint Gabriel & the International Association of Saint Gabriel Hospital Works in Budapest – Hungary, October 27-30, 2022 Venue: Mystery Hotel Budapest H-1064 BUDAPEST, Podmaniczky u. 45 The Order of Saint Gabriel held its Congress in Budapest from October 27 to 30, 2022. Delegations from Switzerland, Greece, France, and Germany were welcomed by the Hungarian Chapter under the leadership of the Lieutenant General of the Order in Hungary, Ambassador Georges Suha, whom we warmly thank, together with the Grand Chancellor of the Order, SEM Michel Hadjimanolis, Consul General Emeritus, for their effective cooperation in organizing this long-standing event. The Greek Chapter notably mobilized a delegation of over 20 members. Year after year, the Congress remains the Order’s major event, demonstrating the vitality and progress of our institution. During this occasion, 12 new knights and dames took their oath. Thursday, October 27 Arrival of delegates in Budapest / transfer to the hotel with the assistance of the Hungarian Chapter under the supervision of Lieutenant General Georges Suha. 19:00: Welcome dinner offered by the Hungarian Chapter at a prestigious restaurant featuring traditional Hungarian cuisine. Friday, October 28 10:00: In the morning, the delegation of the Order, led by SEM Roland de Boutechoux de Chavanes, Grand Master of the Order, paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Imre Vejkey, President of the Parliamentary Legal Commission and Vice-Chairman of the Christian Democratic Party (KDNP), at the National Parliament. Dr. Vejkey is Vice-Chairman of the KDNP parliamentary group. The KDNP, a coalition partner of FIDESZ, oversees humanitarian and church-related matters within the government. During the meeting, representatives of the Order discussed potential cooperation with Hungarian authorities and agreed that the Hungarian Chapter will maintain close ties with relevant authorities and the Parliamentary Prayer Group as a neutral yet effective platform for joint humanitarian actions. The Hungarian Chapter is being developed under Lieutenant General SEM Georges Suha, and includes honorary consuls from El Salvador, North Macedonia, Lesotho, and the former Armenian parliamentary spokesperson. The chapter is also tasked with implementing the regional expansion strategy across the Balkans and V4 countries. The delegation visited the main humanitarian coordination center in Budapest (“BOK Hall”), which serves as the primary arrival hub for refugees from Ukraine, having accommodated 963,812 people since the start of the war. They met Mr. Pál Téglásy, Head of the National Charity Council, representing SEM Miklos Soltesz, State Secretary and highest government representative on this issue. Georges Geroulis, Lt. General of the Order in Greece ♦ SEM Ambassador Ioannis Tzen, Diplomatic Advisor ♦ SEM Ambassador Jürg Staübli, Connétable of the Order ♦ SEM Dr. Imre Vejkey, President of the Parliamentary Legal Commission ♦ SEM Roland de Boutechoux de Chavanes, Grand Master ♦ SEM Dr. Michel Hadjimanolis, Grand Chancellor ♦ SEM Consul Jean-Pierre Tromeur, Honorary Consul of South Africa in France ♦ SEM Ambassador Georges Suha, Lieutenant General of the Order in Hungary 11:30 – 12:45: City tour by bus. 13:00: Working lunch at the hotel. 14:00 – 18:00: International Congress of the Order: 14:00 – 15:00: Meeting of the Magistral Council of national chapters 15:15 – 17:00: Meeting of the Sovereign Council The Connétable, SEM Ambassador Jürg Staübli, presented recent actions undertaken by the Order, highlighting that despite the restrictions of 2020-2021, humanitarian efforts continued. 2020 Collaboration with Petram Foundation and RAKHI FOUNDATION in India supported a training center for youth in trades such as plumbing, electrical work, IT, and English language skills. The Order contributed €15,000 for renovations, equipment, and goats to support family incomes. 2021-2022 Support for Christian children in Lebanon through the Carmel Saint-Joseph School, including school materials, food, clothes, and partial solar electrification. The total investment for complete electrification is approx. €150,000. Additional support included distributing masks and hygiene supplies across Switzerland, totaling CHF 35,000. 2022 The Swiss Chapter conducted major humanitarian operations in Burkina Faso, delivering furniture, toys, utensils, tools, clothing, and 3,072 boxes of books to vulnerable populations. Payot Bookstores donated books, MSC Foundation handled transport, and Isabelle Chevalley oversaw local distribution. Anthony and his team Thanks were extended to Anthony for coordinating the project and to all partners involved. 17:15 – 18:00: Uniform dressing break. 18:15: Official ceremony: Installation of Hungarian Chapter officers and knighting of new members. 20:30: Gala reception with participation from the accredited diplomatic and consular corps in Hungary. Saturday, October 29 10:00: Departure for the historic Tokaj wine region by bus. 12:30: Arrival in Tállya (a small village in northeastern Hungary, UNESCO World Heritage Site, birthplace of world-famous Tokaji Aszú wine). Lunch at a historic estate restaurant (www.oroszlanos.hu). Visit vineyards/cellars and wine tasting. Sunday, October 30 Farewell and individual transfers to the airport. Photos

Press reviews

Press Review – Annual Congress 2022 – ODSG & AIOHSG in Budapest – HU

Congress of the Order of Saint Gabriel & the International Association of Saint Gabriel Hospital Works in Budapest – Hungary from October 27 to 30, 2022 Location: Mystery Hotel Budapest H-1064 BUDAPEST, Podmaniczky u. 45 The Order of Saint Gabriel met in Budapest from October 27 to 30, 2022 on the occasion of its Congress. Delegations from Switzerland, Greece, France, and Germany were welcomed by the Hungarian chapter under the leadership of the Lieutenant General of the Order in Hungary, H.E. Ambassador Georges Suha, whom we warmly thank. With the help and effective collaboration of the Grand Chancellor of the Order H.E. Michel Hadjimanolis, Emeritus Consul General, the event was organized and once again stood out due to the mobilization led, particularly within the Greek Chapter with a delegation of over 20 people. Year after year, the congress remains the major event of the Order, demonstrating the growth and vitality of our institution. On this occasion, 12 Knights and Dames took the oath. October 27, Thursday Arrival of delegates in Budapest / transfer to the hotel with the help of the Hungarian Chapter organizers under the supervision of Lieutenant General Georges SUHA. 19:00: Welcome dinner offered by the Hungarian Chapter at a prestigious restaurant serving traditional Hungarian cuisine. October 28, Friday 10:00: In the morning, the Headquarters of the Sovereign Council of the Order of Saint Gabriel, led by H.E. Roland de Boutechoux de Chavanes, Grand Master of the Order of Saint Gabriel, met in a courtesy visit with the President of the Legal Commission of the National Assembly, H.E. Dr. Imre VEJKEY at the National Parliament. H.E. Dr. VEJKEY is Vice President of the Christian Democratic parliamentary group (KDNP). KDNP portfolios within the government cover humanitarian cooperation with all national and international actors. H.E. Ambassador Jürg Staübli, Constable of the Order, raised several questions regarding potential cooperation between Hungarian authorities and the Order of Saint Gabriel. The Grand Master of the Order suggested that the Hungarian chapter of the OSG establish close ties with competent authorities as well as with the Parliamentary Prayer Group, which could serve as a neutral but effective platform for joint humanitarian actions. H.E. Grand Master Roland de Boutechoux de Chavanes informed H.E. Dr. VEJKEY that the Hungarian chapter is under development: honorary consuls from El Salvador, North Macedonia, Lesotho, and the former parliamentary spokesperson of the Armenian community have joined the Order through a knighting ceremony. The Hungarian section, under the authority of Lieutenant General H.E. Georges Suha, Legate of the Order for Central Europe, is also responsible for formulating a regional expansion strategy in the Balkan countries and the V4. The delegation also visited Budapest’s main humanitarian coordination center (“BOK Halle”), which serves as the primary arrival center for refugees from Ukraine. Since the beginning of the war, this center has welcomed 963,812 people. We met on site with Mr. Pal TEGLASY, Head of the National Charitable Council, as a special personal representative of H.E. Miklos SOLTESZ, Secretary of State and the highest government representative responsible for this matter. General Georges Geroulis Lt General of the Order in Greece ♦ H.E. Ambassador Ioannis Tzen, Diplomatic Advisor H.E. Ambassador Jürg Staübli, Constable of the Order ♦ H.E. Dr. Imre VEJKEY, President of the Parliamentary Justice Commission H.E. Roland de Boutechoux de Chavanes, Grand Master of the Order ♦ H.E. Dr. Michel Hadjimanolis, Grand Chancellor of the Order H.E. Consul Jean-Pierre Tromeur, Honorary Consul General of the Republic of South Africa in France H.E. Ambassador Georges Suha, Lieutenant General of the Order in Hungary 11:30 – 12:45: City tour by tourist bus. 13:00: Working lunch buffet at the hotel. 14:00 – 18:00: International Congress of the Order: • 14:00 – 15:00 Meeting of the Magistral Council • 15:15 – 17:00 Meeting of the Sovereign Council It was also the opportunity to hear from the Constable of the Order, H.E. Ambassador Jürg Staübli, about recent actions undertaken by our Institution.   The Constable expressed his joy at seeing everyone again after two years of pandemic-related restrictions. He also thanked for the excellent organization of this year’s congress of our Order. Although we were unable to meet during 2020 and 2021, our Order continued its charitable works as much as possible. As President of the Donations Commission, he informed the audience about activities organized by the International Association of Saint Gabriel Hospital Works. 2020 As part of continuing projects supported since 2014, we supported, in collaboration with the Petram Foundation, the “RAKHI FOUNDATION” active in India for opening a training center for adolescents. The goal was to teach them a trade such as plumbing, electrical work, IT, and especially to teach them English, essential for securing decent employment. We also contributed €15,000 for the renovation of three buildings and the purchase of training equipment, as well as several dozen goats to allow mothers to generate income and support their children’s schooling. 2021 – 2022 In collaboration with the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, the Petram Foundation, ACI Group, CPME du Rhône, and XXLGroup, we participated in the operation “Support for Christian Children in Lebanon” organized by the Saint Gabriel Hospital Works Association in France. The total budget was €50,000. This project supported St. Joseph College of Mechreff, managed by the Sisters of Carmel Saint-Joseph, providing the necessary educational and extracurricular materials, as well as food and clothing, shipped in dozens of pallets from France. Additionally, photovoltaic systems were installed by the company SUNGY to electrify part of the Carmel buildings. Completing full electrification will require an additional investment of approximately €150,000. The Constable thanks the brothers and sisters of the French Chapter for this initiative, in which the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region was particularly involved. Also, during 2021, the Petram Foundation and Carifor Charity Trust implemented a large-scale distribution program of fabric masks for children and adults, disposable masks, disinfectants, and wipes. Beneficiaries were vulnerable individuals and families throughout Switzerland. The total budget was 35,000 CHF. 2022 This year, the Swiss Association of Hospital Works organized a major operation for the

Press reviews

Press Review – Action of the Hellenic Chapter of the Order of Saint Gabriel in Favor of Large Greek Families

Major donation of EY CLUB health cards to the Association of Large Families in Thessaloniki (Greece) Cooperation between the company “Synergy Domination” and the “Order of Saint Gabriel” This initiative is part of the social project carried out by the Association of Saint Gabriel Hospital Works in Greece. It contributes, during the Advent season leading up to Christmas, to our primary goal of supporting Mother and Child. We donated 200 EY Club family health cards to the Association of Large Families, each valued at 150 euros, which provide: A free Check-Up. Free emergency diagnostics and treatments. Discounted rates for all medical examinations for an entire year. The 200 EY Club health cards were distributed by the Association of Large Families and the Order of Saint Gabriel to families with more than 4 children and limited income. Now, 200 large families in Greece have access to a selected network of: 3,000 doctors. 300 diagnostic centers. 30 clinics and rehabilitation centers. Thanks to this family health card, they will be able to receive immediate and high-quality treatment for health issues in the field of prevention, under favorable financial conditions. The aid protocol was signed on December 19, 2022, by < Mr. Dimitris Karatsioumpanis, Knight of the Order of Saint Gabriel, and Mr. Ilias Nikolaréizis, President of the Association of Large Families of Thessaloniki in Greece.

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