As we near the second anniversary of the unprovoked full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, the nation suffers under renewed and intensified attacks.  This week the Russian troops shelled residential areas in the Donetsk region, with over 13 separate attacks in a single day, utilizing drones, rockets, anti-aircraft missiles and artillery.  In Kharkiv, families including children and elderly died horrifically, burned to death as their homes went up in flames.  The missile attacks have targeted and destroyed residential housing, schools, hospitals and civilian infrastructure, making it nearly impossible for the residents in these areas to survive, to escape, or for assistance to reach them.

Even in these dire circumstances however, aid does reach them, and it plays a pivotal role in alleviating the immense suffering experienced by internally displaced persons (IDPs) and civilians who have been profoundly affected by the ongoing aggression.  The crisis has forced many individuals and families to flee their homes, leaving behind not only their demolished residences but also their sense of security and stability. Humanitarian assistance has become a lifeline for these individuals who are grappling with the loss of loved ones, homes, and the disruption of their daily lives.

With the prayers and blessing of Metropolitan Antony of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and Diaspora, Archbishop Daniel, Ruling Hierarch of the Western Eparchy of the UOC of the USA and Consistory President, provided resources collected by the Church to aid Ukrainians in their hour of need.  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, assuring the suffering people of Ukraine of continuing prayers on their behalf, and expressing love and concern through the provision of much needed supplies. 

Recently, Fr. Kostyantyn, along with his wife Natalia, delivered aid to needy families in the cities of Pokrovsk, Myrnohrad, Kostyantynivka, and the surrounding areas near Bakhmut.  The need is beyond words.  Families are left devasted.  No roof over their heads.  No fresh water.  No heat.  No food.  These people feel forgotten by the world.  However, they are not forgotten by God, nor the Church and her faithful, who do God’s work.

Fr. Kostyantyn and his team regularly travel to these remote areas, even under the threat of ongoing missile attacks, to deliver the much-needed aid.  For civilians who have remained in the conflict zones or areas with limited access to resources, this humanitarian aid provides a glimmer of hope amid the devastation.  There are no words to express the gratitude of these individuals.  Elderly grandmothers wipe tears from their cheeks as they shakily accept handouts of food and hygiene items.  Mothers are overjoyed as they are handed a package of diapers and formula for their infants, and small gifts of toys and candies to bring a bit of joy to distraught and traumatized children.  Fresh fruit is a luxury, and the cold hands eagerly reach out for apples and oranges.

The elderly suffer in silence, left to fend for themselves.  They shiver in their cold homes with windows blown out and roofs torn off.  They no longer have access to their prescribed medicines, no hygiene products, and no fresh vegetables.  They spend their days in prayer, praying for their children and grandchildren – those who are fighting on the front lines, and those who are fleeing for their lives.  They praise the Lord when a knock on their door reveals a bag filled with pasta, rice, canned goods, pickled items, cookies, bread, and other food items delivered by the brave volunteers.

While fleeing for their lives many people from Bakhmut, Toretsk, Chasiv Yaru, Avdiivka, etc. have found themselves at the mercy of handouts and aid.  They have no employment, and arrive with only the clothing on their backs, as they settle further from the war zone and try to rebuild their lives, giving their children some sense of normalcy.  These individuals visit the Humanitarian Center in Kostyantynivka, arriving with various needs and requests.  Nobody leaves empty handed.  They receive medical supplies, hygiene products, heaters, water, food, and other items to help them in their daily lives.

In addition to helping the civilians suffering in Ukraine, funds are used to assist the military as they fight for the freedom of not only Ukraine, but, of all neighboring nations.  Medical supplies, thermal clothing, boots, generators, and transport vehicles are purchased and delivered to the frontlines.  These items are crucial in strengthening the men and women who are fighting, reminding them that they have the support and love of the people whom they defend.

As the aggression continues, as the destruction continues, as the terror continues, displacement and loss have become tragically commonplace in Ukraine, making international collaboration and sustained humanitarian efforts crucial. The provision of aid not only meets immediate needs but also lays the groundwork for long-term recovery and rebuilding of shattered lives. Humanitarian assistance serves as a testament to global solidarity, shared responsibility of the international community, and the practice of Christian responsibility towards others. 

Please consider being part of this global effort by donating to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA’s Humanitarian Relief Fund.