The Kakhovka Dam in Ukraine was destroyed in the early hours of 6 June 2023, causing extensive flooding along the lower Dnipro River in the Kherson Oblast.  The water from the dam flooded the area for miles, causing great loss of life and property.  The innocent civilians already living with daily bombings now faced an even greater threat – drowning, starvation, dysentery, etc.  While Ukrainian Rescue Forces quickly scrambled to assist, aided by civilians with boats, canoes, rafts who drove in from all over Ukraine to help rescue those stranded, they faced ongoing artillery from the Russian forces who shot at them even while undergoing rescue operations.

The already monumental number of Internally Displaced Persons grew even higher, as all those who were rescued began moving inland trying to find a place of safety.  The people of the Donbas and Kherson regions, like so many before them who were forced from their homes through bombings and terrorist acts, found themselves with the clothes on their backs and nothing more.  Mothers hugged their children, as grannies wiped at tears that had flowed for months on end.

Where to go?  How to survive?  What to eat?  Where to get clean drinking water?

They are not asking for much, just to live.

While all seems dark, and hope seems lost, the light of Christ dissipates the darkness and restores faith in humanity.  With the blessings of His Eminence Metropolitan Antony, Prime Hierarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and Diaspora, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, Ruling Hierarch of the Western Eparchy of the UOC of the USA and Consistory President, allocated funds donated by the faithful of the Church to ease the burden of those suffering in Ukraine.

As a truck filled with lifesaving supplies pulled into a parking lot, the people began to gather, thankful for not being forgotten by the world.  As the rolling doors of the truck were opened and the truck was emptied, bags were filled with rice, pasta, canned tomatoes, protein bars, canned meats, bottles of oil, cans of corn and peas, flour, and salt.  Other items include much needed hygiene items such as toothpaste, soap, brushes, lotions, diapers for young and elderly, as well as common medicinal supplies such as bandages, disinfectants, aspirin, etc.

The children, the most innocent of the victims of the current unprovoked aggression, suffer malnutrition, common ailments become serious infections, and mostly they have lost their peace of mind.  Children cannot sleep through the nights, are startled easily and are constantly living in a state of fear – fear for the lives of their parents, fear of the constant bombardments, fear for their lives.  To bring just a bit of joy to these youngsters, bags were specially filled with chocolates, candies of all sorts, and toys.  The simplest of items brought just the hint of a smile to the little boys and girls.

Not forgotten are the men and women who continue to selflessly defend these innocent children, their families, and their homeland.  The truck also brought supplies for the military on the front lines including clean socks, shoes, boots, and medical supplies.  Some bags even included a few cards of thanks written by the children.

As the world tires of the war in Ukraine, Ukrainians tire of living in fear and terror.  However, as tired, scared and injured as they are, the Ukrainian Spirit lives on in them and they continue to fight daily for their lives.  With a strong faith in God, they will survive this onslaught and will prevail.

Please consider donating to the Ukrainian Humanitarian Fund of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and be the reason these children smile tomorrow.