The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA (UOC of the USA) has remained steadfast in its commitment to aiding Ukraine during the ongoing Russian aggressors against the people of Ukraine. In close collaboration with the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), the UOC of the USA has been a vital partner in delivering much-needed humanitarian aid, including medical vehicles, to war-torn regions. Among the most recent efforts is the delivery of several ambulances and logistical vehicles to military medical facilities, bringing hope and life-saving support to soldiers and civilians alike. His Beatitude Metropolitan Epiphaniy of the OCU personally oversaw the delivery of a new ambulance to the heroic city of Kharkiv, an act that reverberated with profound spiritual significance.

Metropolitan Epiphaniy, along with a distinguished delegation of hierarchs - including Metropolitan Simeon of Dnipro and Sicheslav, Archbishop Mitrofan of Kharkiv and Slobozhan, and Bishop Fotius of Zaporizhzhya and Melitopol - visited military personnel and joined them in prayer. A solemn moment unfolded as Metropolitan Epiphaniy consecrated the bell tower in one of the military units of Kharkiv, offering the gift of an ambulance as a visible reminder of the Church’s enduring care. This was not just an act of charity, but a profound testament to the unity between the OCU and UOC of the USA in the face of a deep and ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Archbishop Daniel, reflecting the sentiments of His Eminence Metropolitan Antony of the UOC of the USA, expressed immense gratitude to the spiritual leadership of Metropolitan Epiphaniy for this close collaboration. In his heartfelt reflections, Archbishop Daniel spoke of the spiritual and moral significance of such acts of mercy and how they embody the very essence of the Gospel message. He remarked:

“We are living in a time when the Church is called to not only be the voice of prayer but the hand of healing and salvation. Our unity with our brethren in Ukraine is not one simply of shared heritage or faith - it is the unity of love, the unity of Christ, who teaches us to lay down our lives for one another. What greater witness can we offer the world than standing beside those who suffer, bringing them hope in the form of an ambulance, a gesture that says: ‘You are not alone.’

The OCU, under the visionary leadership of Metropolitan Epiphaniy, has shown the world the strength of faith and determination, even in the face of unrelenting war. And we, the UOC of the USA, humbly join them in this sacred work of saving lives. It is Christ Himself who drives these ambulances to the wounded, Christ who walks alongside the chaplains, the bishops, the soldiers. We offer our prayers and assistance because we are bound by a common mission - the mission of love, service, and sacrifice.

Let this ambulance that has been blessed today serve as a symbol of that mission. It carries not only medical equipment, but also the prayers of millions. It carries the very presence of God’s mercy to those who need it most.”

This sense of shared mission between the UOC of the USA and the OCU is a powerful manifestation of the Church’s role as a source of spiritual and physical healing. Archbishop Daniel reminded the faithful that every ambulance, every donation, every prayer is an embodiment of Christ’s love for humanity, especially for those in the midst of suffering. He called upon all Orthodox faithful to continue this sacred work of mercy, to remain steadfast in supporting Ukraine in its struggle for freedom and justice.

In the presence of Kharkiv Mayor Igor Terekhov, unit commanders, chaplains, and military personnel, prayers were lifted for Ukraine’s defenders and for victory over the aggressor. These prayers are not only for physical victory but also for the triumph of justice, peace, and the sanctity of life. The consecration of the bell tower, too, was a deeply spiritual moment, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the Church’s mission is to raise hearts and minds toward heaven, to seek God’s grace in every circumstance.

As the war in Ukraine continues, the UOC of the USA has not relented in its humanitarian mission. From fundraising to direct aid, the Church has mobilized its resources to offer spiritual, medical, and emotional support. In collaboration with the OCU, the work of delivering ambulances, medical supplies, food, and spiritual guidance continues, saving lives and restoring hope in the midst of despair.

Archbishop Daniel’s call to action is a reminder to all Orthodox Christians: “We are the body of Christ, and when one part of that body suffers, we all suffer. Therefore, we must continue to offer our prayers, our resources, and our hearts to the people of Ukraine. Our mission is not over. We are called to serve, to heal, and to offer hope until peace reigns once again.”

In the spirit of this mission, the faithful are urged to continue their generous support of Ukraine through the UOC of the USA. Whether through prayer, donation, or volunteer efforts, the Church stands as a beacon of hope and solidarity with Ukraine in its time of need. The ambulances delivered are not just vehicles - they are vessels of God’s grace, bringing healing to a wounded land, and a testament to the power of love in action.

May the work of the UOC of the USA and the OCU inspire us all to act with compassion, to persevere in faith, and to continue the vital mission of saving lives in Ukraine.