Friends!

Friends! On this day in 1902 in Grozny was born an amazing woman - Alexandra Derevskaya. She was not a famous actress, singer or writer, but her name will always remain in the history of Ukraine. Because she made a real feat - adopted and brought up 48 orphans!

Alexandra Avramovna Semyonova was born on May 6, 1902. Her father was an oil industrialist. The girl studied well, finished 8 classes at the gymnasium, and later - went to the nurses' courses. And suddenly - civil war broke out. At that time, Alexandra was working in a military hospital, where she was lucky to meet her soul mate - Emelyana Derevsky.

The first child, who was adopted by his wife, was Yemelyan's brother. After that, they adopted two more orphans, whose parents were killed at the front.

During the Second World War, Alexandra became the director of the Syzran children's home. From there she took 7 more orphans. Another 9 children evacuated from Leningrad, they took with her husband in Stavropol. When the family was already very considerable, Alexandra left the work and devoted herself to raising children.

At the end of the war, the family moved to the city of Romny, Sumy region. There the Derevskaya spouses adopted ten more children! Such a huge family helped everyone - they were given a house with a garden and a garden, and people sent food, clothes and toys. But along with the benefactors there were also those who simply threw the babies under the door of their house.

At the same time, Alexander was actively engaged not only in the upbringing of her children. She led a social life. She was an extremely strong woman and did not fold her hands even when Emelyan, tired of the constant worries and problems of a large family, left his family.

But she was not alone. She had 48 children of different ages and different nationalities: Jews, Russians, Germans, Uzbeks. And those that she provided temporary shelter and just cared for (along with them the number of her wards by various estimates reached from 62 to 65 children).

The mother-heroine died at the age of 59 years. Hard life still made itself felt. On her grave there is a monument on which is embroidered: "You are our conscience, our prayer is your mother, your earthly bow Your children" and the names of her 48 sons and daughters.

The life story of Alexandra Derevskaya was the basis of the film entitled "Romenskaya Madonna". This film was so popular with the audience that at the festival in Leipzig she was given the first place and the Golden Dove award.

Another film about Alexander - "Feast of baked potatoes" - was created by film director Yuri Ilenko.

Friends! The story of this amazing woman proves that the heroes are among us. They are distinguished by humanity, self-sacrifice and kindness. I am grateful to Alexandra Drevlyanskaya for аn amazing example, which should remain in our memory.