Charity helping Ukrainian Church ease suffering caused by war

Displaced children helped by ACN projects in Korostyshiv, northern Ukraine © ACN

Source: Aid to the Church in Need

Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has helped the Church in Ukraine provide emergency aid, pastoral support, trauma healing and other assistance to those fleeing the horrors of war over the past three years.

The charity has funded 977 projects worth more than £20 million (€25.2 million) since 24th February 2022.

More than 7,000 children and young people have participated in pastoral camps and other Church activities with support from the charity in that time.

ACN has also provided Mass stipends and other help to thousands of Greek, and Roman, Catholic priests and religious, as well as supporting 768 seminarians with their formation. Other examples of help include subsistence aid for Sisters caring for those in need and repairs to Church buildings damaged by missile attacks.

Bishop Maksym Ryabukha of Donetsk told ACN: "War causes great pain, and a feeling of helplessness, grief and loss…. Only the attentiveness of friends, the warmth of supportive and helpful embraces, and the light of a glance full of hope let us believe that life still makes sense, that beyond the feeling of hopelessness a way is opening where love inspires hearts."

He added: "Ukraine is grateful to all those who during these difficult 11 years of war - including three years with a large-scale invasion of our country - were at our side, who have supported us, who have given us the possibility of living and growing, who have done everything possible to heal our wounds, to bring back peace to our hearts, hope to our thoughts and faith to our eyes…

"Without you we would no longer exist."

Bishop Stanislav Shyrokoradiuk of Odessa said: "The most difficult and painful challenge for the Church is carrying out burials…

"Every day young men, women and even children are dying. What a high price for the independence of Ukraine."

He concluded: "We mustn't lose our trust in God. And we will never stop thanking all those who make sure that we do not feel alone. Many thanks for your prayers and your solidarity with us."

With thanks to Maria Lozano

LINK

Aid to the Church in Need: www.acnuk.org