In the midst of the ongoing invasion of Ukraine and the constant battles, hardships and resultant conflicts, the importance of curing patients with cancer and other injuries cannot be overstated. While the battle for freedom has captured global attention and resources, the battle against cancer, and the recovery from injuries due to missiles and mines, represents a different kind of warfare—one fought within the very fabric of society.
In the chaos of war, it is easy to overlook the silent suffering of individuals facing an illness, battling a disease, an amputation, or severe internal injuries. In a nation fighting for its freedom, injuries affect soldiers and civilians alike, compounding the challenges faced by a society already grappling with the ravages of conflict.
Curing disease, and working to aid those injured in battle, is not merely a medical triumph; it is a testament to our humanity. The fight against disease requires collaboration, research, and resources. Even in times of war, addressing the pressing need for cures reflects a commitment to the sanctity of life and a shared responsibility to alleviate human suffering.
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA has always defended life, from conception to natural death, and helped sustain it between those two points in time. Working in conjunction with Stavropygia of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Kyiv (Ukraine), the Church has been able to aid the many people in Ukraine who suffer from disease and injury, by providing aid and support to the National Institute of Cancer in Ukraine.
“We are honored that even in these difficult times, there are people who care and are always ready to step up and assist those in need, show kindness, and share a piece of their generous Ukrainian souls,” stated Olena Yefimenko, Director General of the institute.
The joint humanitarian mission has not only supported the patients in the institute, but medical assistance has also been provided to wounded servicemen of the 112th Territorial Defense Brigade, who are currently undergoing treatment and rehabilitation at the facility.
With the blessings of His Eminence Metropolitan Antony, Prime Hierarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and Diaspora, and His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, the Church has always offered support to Ukrainians in need even before the invasion. The UOC of the USA’s efforts have multiplied as the need has become greater due to the hostilities and hardships faced by the people of Ukraine since the invasion began almost two years ago. The Church continuously provides much needed supplies to both civilians and the defenders of the nation by delivering food, clothing, shoes, medical equipment and supplies, fuel, coal, generators, clean water, ambulances, tactical vehicles, etc.
Fr. Pavlo Sokolovskyi of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, on behalf of Bishop Mikhail of Komansk, expressed his gratitude to hierarchs of the UOC of the USA for their ongoing support and dedicated assistance to both the civilians and servicemen of Ukraine. The funds so generously donated by the faithful of the Church have already been delivered and assisted numerous wounded warriors as they recover from their injuries.
By giving attention and resources towards healthcare, we demonstrate our resilience in the face of adversity and our unwavering dedication to preserving life, regardless of the external threats that surround us. It is what Christ has directed us to do, and what our soul cannot help but do.
Ultimately, prioritizing the cure for disease, and a desire to heal wounds, and mend broken limbs amid ongoing conflict sends a powerful message—that even in the darkest moments, our collective compassion and commitment to human well-being prevail. It underscores the importance of maintaining a balance between addressing immediate threats and safeguarding the future health and prosperity of our global community.
You too can be part of this life saving mission by donating generously to the UOC of the USA Ukrainian Humanitarian Relief Fund.
Українська Православна Церква США та Місія “Ставропігія Вселенського Патріархату в Україні” відзначені подяками від Національного інституту раку за активну громадську позицію, патріотизм та всебічну підтримку пацієнтів та лікарів інституту.
В рамках спільної благодійної гуманітарної програми, УПЦ США та Ставропігія надавали допомогу у реалізації гуманітарних проектів Інституту раку.
“Пишаємося тим, що в цей нелегкий час поряд з нами є люди, які завжди готові прийти на допомогу іншим, поділитися добром, надати підтримку та дарувати частинку щедрої української душі”, - йдеться в подяці від імені генерального директора Інституту раку Олени Єфіменко.
Також у рамках спільної гуманітарної місії Української Православної Церкви США і Ставропігії Вселенського Патріархату в Україні надано допомогу пораненим військовослужбовцям 112-ї бригади Територіальної оборони, які проходять лікування і реабілітацію.
Це не перший раз, коли УПЦ США та Мати Церква демонструє свою підтримку українським захисникам та мирним жителям, які постраждали внаслідок російської агресії. Раніше УПЦ США надавала іншу матеріальну підтримку, таку як одяг, взуття, медичне обладнання, автомобілі швидкої допомоги та інше.
Священник Православної Церкви України (ПЦУ) Павло Соколовський, котрий від імені єпископа Михаїла (Команського) передавав допомогу потребуючим, висловив подяку архієпископу Даниїлу (Зелінському) та предстоятелю УПЦ США митрополиту Антонію (Щербі) за їхню небайдужість до долі України та її захисників. За фінансової підтримки УПЦ США поранені бійці вже отримали матеріальну допомогу.
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