Ukrainian Catholic Metropolia in the US Presents Annual Report on Healing of Wounds of the War in Ukraine Fund
On March 10, the Ukrainian Catholic Metropolia in the United States presented the Annual Report of the Healing of Wounds of the War in Ukraine Fund during a Zoom meeting. The meeting was attended by the Fund’s Board members, including Cardinal Daniel DiNardo (Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston), Cardinal Blase J. Cupich (Archdiocese of Chicago), Metropolitan Borys Gudziak (Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia), Bishop Bohdan Danylo (St. Josaphat Eparchy in Parma), Bishop John Barres (Diocese of Rockville Centre, Long Island, NY), Bishop Italo Dell’Oro (Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston), and Bishop Benedict Aleksiychuk (St. Nicholas Eparchy in Chicago).
Metropolitan Borys Gudziak expressed gratitude to the U.S. Catholic bishops for their unwavering support for Ukraine. He highlighted their solidarity and care for those suffering due to the war, emphasizing the resilience and sacrifices of Ukrainians as they defend their freedom and human dignity. He reaffirmed that Ukrainians seek a just peace above all else.
The Fund’s Manager, Rev. Roman Oliinyk, presented key achievements of the Healing of Wounds of the War in Ukraine Fund. The Fund’s mission is to support projects addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences of the war against Ukraine. Thanks to the generosity of donors in the United States, the Ukrainian Catholic Metropolia has sent $10.3 million in aid to Ukraine since the Russian invasion. The Fund has distributed $2.3 million to support 93 essential projects, including financing 32 psychological rehabilitation centers, 8 summer camps, 6 Caritas branches, 4 hospitals, 72 military chaplains, 4 shelters, and 2 major prosthetic centers. These efforts have aided more than 50,000 wounded soldiers and civilians in need of prosthetics. The Fund’s transparency and accountability make it a reliable and efficient partner with unique expertise in addressing the situation on the ground.
Special speakers from Ukraine expressed gratitude for the American solidarity with the Ukrainian people. Ms. Tetiana Stawnychy, President of Caritas Ukraine, discussed the organization’s role as the largest non-profit foundation working to heal war-related wounds through its extensive network of Caritas branches. Bishop Maksym Ryabukha, SDB, of the Donetsk Exarchate of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC), based in Zaporizhia—just 20 miles from the frontlines—spoke about the Church’s humanitarian and pastoral ministries in war-affected areas, emphasizing the importance of extending Christ’s love through the generosity of donors.
One of the main focuses of the Healing of Wounds of the War in Ukraine Fund is addressing the mental and spiritual impacts of the war, particularly war trauma, loss of loved ones, PTSD, and depression. Oleh Romanchuk, director of the Institute on Mental Health at the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv, presented ongoing mental health initiatives in Ukraine and highlighted the university’s leading role in implementing mental health programs. A special message of gratitude from the Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church was conveyed by Rev. Lyubomyr Yavorskii, Patriarchal Econome and director of the “Mudra Sprava” Foundation, which oversees humanitarian projects initiated by the Head of the Church.
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo (Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston), the largest donor to the Fund, extended heartfelt thanks to the Catholics of his Archdiocese and throughout the United States for their commitment and demonstration of Christ’s love through their solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
Learn more about the Fund here