With the unprovoked and unforeseen invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation well into its second year, the affects of the attack have reverberated throughout all aspects of life in Ukraine.  Having been unsuccessful in their attempt of a quick take over of the country, the Russian forces have focused on destroying as much of Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure as possible.  Hospitals and schools, super markets, railways, airports, bus stations, apartment blocks, even isolated villages have all been bombed and reduced to rubble.

While the Russians are able to wreak havoc in the country, the Ukrainian spirit lives on.  Through the Grace of God and the helping hands of those who care, the struggling citizens of Ukraine have been able to survive and hold on during the onslaught of aggression.

Working through Protopresbyter Kostyantyn Kuzyetzov of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine, with the blessing of Metropolitan Antony, Prime Hierarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and Diaspora, Archbishop Daniel, Ruling Hierarch of the Western Eparchy of the UOC of the USA and Consistory President, has been instrumental in providing much needed supplies to those who are suffering.

Daily, people gather and line up to accept donations of supplies they otherwise would go without.  Mothers with infants are given much needed diapers, baby formula, and other goods for young children.  The elderly stock up on pickled and canned goods, bags of pasta, rice, and warm coats.  Everyone gets supplies of soaps, shampoos, cleaning products, and priceless bottles of water. 

If there is a need, a way is found to fill it as best as possible during a war, with supply lines being in shambles and goods hard to come by.  A woman broke down in tears when she was handed a portable stove with fuel.  Her home had been without electricity for months, and her family was surviving on dried scraps and cold canned goods.  Something so simple as a hotplate gave this woman renewed hope as she once again felt human and was able to prepare a hot meal for her children.

While city residents are struggling, the internally displaced persons are struggling even more.  Leaving behind their demolished homes and shattered lives, carrying all their worldly possessions in a couple of bags, they try to pick up the pieces while hunkering down in abandoned homes, bombed buildings, anywhere they can find shelter for the night.  These individuals’ very lives depend on the handouts of others.

Father Kostyantyn, along with his wife, Natalia, often travel to the war-torn areas to reach those who are in the worst need of standard supplies of food and hygiene products.  Numerous generators have been delivered regardless of continued shelling and airstrikes.  The Lord’s work must continue even if sirens are blaring.   In addition to food and water, much needed medical supplies are delivered to the disabled and elderly.

Not only do the civilians benefit from the kindness and generosity of others, but so do the defenders of Ukraine.  The soldiers are grateful recipients of medical supplies, canned goods, socks, flashlights, boots, tourniquets, blankets and much appreciated bags of goodies prepared by local volunteers.  A piece of chocolate previously taken for granted, now is like a little taste of heaven, bringing to mind happier times, laughter with family, and worry-free bygone days.

Our purpose and mission, given to us by the Lord, is to serve others, as He Himself served.  It is thanks to the generous donations of the hierarchs, clergy, and faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA that these supplies have been made available to the suffering people of Ukraine.  Many things we take for granted define our humanity.  Food, access to clean water, heat, chocolate, etc.  What would your life be without something so simple as a bar of soap?

The war continues, and the need for assistance grows greater as more and more innocent lives are destroyed by Russia.  Please consider donating to the Ukrainian Humanitarian Relief Fund of the UOC of the USA.  Every dollar helps return a sense of humanity to people who are heroically withstanding the brutal invasion and defending the world’s right to freedom.