Mikhail Losev was one of the first to come to work at Maria’s Children when there was, in fact, no centre yet in existence.  It didn’t have its own location, wasn’t a registered organization, and it was impossible to really get money for its work.  But what was there, was the fundamental desire to help orphans, and the understanding that their fate depended namely on us.

Mikhail was an amazing person.  He loved children and children loved him, regardless of the fact that he was at times strict with them.  They understood, no doubt, that behind this strictness stood a concern for their fate.  He was a man with a very rigid set of values, according to which all of us would have been sinners.  If it weren’t for him, our project would never have become as successful as it is today.

Sadly and, as it always happens, suddenly, Misha’s life came to an abrupt end in August 2003 as a result of a DTP. He left behind a wife and three wonderful children, as well as a great number of people who remember him fondly.