Ukrainian Catholic Metropolia in the United States Launches Initiative to Support Priests in Ukraine

At the Synod of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC), held July 1-10, 2026, at the Zarvanytsia Marian Spiritual Center, Metropolitan Borys Gudziak, with the support of the hierarchs of the Ukrainian Catholic Metropolia in the United States, has offered an initiative to provide financial assistance to priests serving in Ukraine who are facing significant challenges due to the ongoing war. The decision was made during the Synod, which focused on vocations to the priesthood and religious life. 

As Ukraine continues to defend its land against Russian invaders, Church leaders, clergy and religious serve the faithful with dedication, often placing themselves in danger. Priests and religious continue their ministry in frontline parishes, hospitals, military units and schools, bringing hope and comfort to those affected by the war. Many priests and parishes face financial difficulties as a result of the ongoing war and are in need of support. The Metropolitan Fund "The Healing of Wounds of the War in Ukraine" was entrusted with coordinating this initiative. Ukrainian bishops provided a list of 25 priests from the Kyiv Archeparchy and the Donetsk, Kharkiv, Odesa and Lutsk Exarchates who are in need of assistance. 

The initiative aims to provide financial support to priests in their pastoral ministry while fostering cooperation and communication between priests in Ukraine and the parishes in the United States that sponsor them. 

We are grateful that eight parishes, one deanery and one anonymous donor from the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia have committed to supporting eight priests in Ukraine. The Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of St. Josaphat in Parma and St. Nicholas in Chicago have sponsored 5 priests each. The Stamford eparchy will follow. 

We sincerely thank everyone for their prayers, generosity and solidarity! 

The following parishes, deanery and donor from the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia have committed to supporting priests in need in Ukraine: 

• Anonymous donor 
• Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Philadelphia, PA 
• St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church, Trenton, NJ 
• St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church, Jenkintown, PA 
• Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, Melrose Park, PA 
• St. Anne Ukrainian Catholic Church, Warrington, PA 
• Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, Perth Amboy, NJ 
• South Anthracite Deanery, PA 
• Saint Nicholas, Wilmington, DE
• Saint John the Baptist, Whippany, NJ