In the midst of the grim reality of war and bombings, the importance of providing children with a semblance of normalcy and joy during Christmas cannot be overstated. In war-torn areas, where the daily lives of families are disrupted by conflict and uncertainty, the resilience and well-being of children become a paramount concern. Despite the challenges, efforts to ensure that the spirit of Christmas endures for these young souls take on a special significance.

With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Antony, Prime Hierarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the USA and Diaspora, Archbishop Daniel, Ruling Hierarch of the Western Eparchy of the UOC of the USA and Consistory President allocates funds donated by the faithful of the Church to aid those in need in war-torn Ukraine.  Funds are distributed in the Donetsk and Mariupol Eparchy (under the leadership of Metropolitan Serhiy), through the service of Rev. Fr. Kostyantyn Kuznetsov, who along with his wife Natalia, and team of volunteers, oversees the delivery of the donated food and logistical items to the refugees and the men and women of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

With the aid of the UOC of the USA, Fr. Kostyantyn was able to deliver toys and sweets to children in war-affected regions during the holiday season. These acts of generosity aim not only to bring momentary happiness but also to instill a sense of normalcy amidst chaos. By providing children with toys, gifts, and treats, the hope is to momentarily transport them to a world of joy, creativity, and innocence, shielding them from the harsh realities of their surroundings.

Children from Mariupol, Avdiivka, and other areas of the Donetsk region attacked and destroyed by the invading Russian forces, got a reprieve from their constant stress and uncertainty, when Fr. Kostyantyn delivered toys and sweets to them.  Visiting an establishment for refugee children with special needs, his team was able to deliver some Christmas cheer.  While many children were timid, unsure, afraid to let their guard down, they eventually opened up and allowed their personalities to shine through.  Little girls’ eyes sparkled as they got princess kits, while the boys got little trucks and cars.  Games, puzzles, chess sets and books were distributed to children of all ages bringing smiles to their faces, as they broke out in song. These children have survived the horrors of war and are stronger than many adults having witnessed the tragedies of war.  Giving them a chance to enjoy once again their quickly fading childhood was a blessing to both the receivers and the givers.

On Christmas Day the faithful, local residents, refugees and defenders, young and old, crowded into the local Orthodox church, the Cathedral of John the Baptist, to celebrate the Birth of Christ.  After the Divine Liturgy, Fr. Kostyantyn handed out boxes of chocolates to each child as they approached to venerate the Cross.  Nobody left empty-handed.  The souls of the adults rejoiced at the Nativity of the Lord, and their hearts rejoiced at seeing smiles on the children’s faces.

But even though the world celebrates Christmas, the bombs do not stop flying, the missiles are still launched, and Ukrainians are still dying, getting maimed, and losing their livelihood.  Even though the volunteers are exhausted from many hours of packing and distributing supplies, they nonetheless muster up the strength to continue the good work they do.  The focus shifted to the Armed Forces as thermal clothing was supplied, along with medical supplies, coffee, fruit, bread, and some homemade varenyky.  The weary soldiers took a moment to rest and replenish their energy by enjoying what now appeared as delicacies as they too celebrated the Nativity of the Lord.  Having enjoyed a hearty meal, they donned woolen sweaters and thick warm socks before heading back out to the frontlines to defend their homeland, and all of Democracy.

However, it is not only children who are in need of some cheer and normalcy.  Every day people line up at the Distribution Center, patiently waiting their turn to receive a care package.  For the adults the needs are varied and more of a necessity – hygiene products, oil for cooking, bags of flour and sugar, canned goods, bread, salt, water, etc.  All these staples of life we take for granted, but it is difficult to survive with these barest of necessities.  Through the donations received, truckloads of supplies arrive.  As the menfolk get busy unloading the boxes and bags, the women begin sorting and preparing bags filled pasta, soup, pickled goods, canned meats, shampoos, soaps, lotions, etc.

In these challenging circumstances, the act of giving becomes a powerful symbol of solidarity and compassion. It sends a message to both adults and children that, even in the face of adversity, the world cares about their well-being and happiness. Such initiatives not only cater to their immediate emotional needs but also contribute to their long-term psychological resilience.

In the face of war, providing toys and sweets may seem like a small gesture, but its impact can be profound. It reminds children that, despite the tumultuous times, there is still room for love, compassion, and the magic of Christmas. It becomes a beacon of hope in the darkness, fostering a sense of resilience that can endure beyond the holiday season.

This Christmas season, make a difference in the life of a child, a traumatized adult, a displaced person who has no home, a warrior who has lived through nightmares, and donate to the UOC of the USA Ukrainian Humanitarian Relief Fund.