As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues into its 16^th month, the nation of Ukraine has suffered greatly.  The country’s infrastructure has been intentionally targeted by the invaders, leaving millions of innocent people stranded, in the dark, in the heat, with no electricity, water, or transportation.  Bridges have been destroyed and dams blown up causing unprecedented flooding and damage to the countryside, leaving people homeless, with their livelihood and crops destroyed.

As the world focuses on the game of politics being played by the Russian Federation, wondering what their next move will be, the people on the ground suffer.  Previously the major humanitarian aid was food and fuel.  However, with the flooding and lack of sustenance, the people are now facing living conditions reminiscent of the Dark Ages. 

Even as rescuers brave snipers as they rush to ferry Ukrainians from the Russian occupied flood zones around the destroyed Kakhovka dam, authorities grow concerned at the possible disease outbreaks from waterborne illnesses.   In many places the waters have not yet receded and have left an estimated 17,000 people affected in the flooded zone.

With a dire need for medical assistance to ensure the health of the survivors of the flooding, of the terrorist attacks, of the ongoing bombing, with the blessing 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 and Consistory President of the UOC of the USA, allocated funds to be used to grant immediate aid to people suffering in Ukraine.

The funds went into immediate action as people packed and delivered over 4 tons of crucial supplies to the war-torn areas of Ukraine.  Among the items delivered were much needed blankets, pillows, sterile surgical garments, and backpacks.  All these items will help to save the lives of the innocent civilians of Ukraine targeted by the Russian Federation. The value of the delivered aid is over $190,000.00 (170,000 euros) and it was received and delivered through the efforts of Lviv Deanery of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, under the leadership of Very Rev. Fr. Oleh Drevniak - Dean of Lviv Deanery.

During the most recent trip to Germany, Archbishop Daniel met with the representatives of various charitable instiotutions in Munich, Germany and delivery of the Humanatarian Aid was facilitated by Rev. Fr. Alexander Smoktunowicz, secretary of the Ukrainian Orthodox Eparchy of Western Europe of the UOC in Diaspora.

From the start of the invasion, the UOC of the USA has provided much needed funds and assistance to the Ukrainian refugees, medical supplies and transport to the military defenders of Ukraine, food and hygiene supplies to the internally displaced persons, and prayers for a cessation of hostilities, the safety of the people, and for peace and freedom in Ukraine.

Please consider joining the team who offer assistance in this time of need by donating to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Ukrainian Relief Humanitarian Fund.