A Stronghold of Faith in a Time of War: Mutual Support in Ternivka

Even though the frontline runs hundreds of kilometers away, the war is felt here every day—in the painful news of fallen compatriots, in power outages, and in the psychological tension that has settled into people’s homes.

Under these exact conditions, a place emerged in the city where people can not only find physical warmth but also encounter genuine support. This is the local resilience center, established by the parish community of the Ascension of the Lord of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church, with the backing of the Patriarchal Foundation “Mudra Sprava.”

From an Empty Plot to a Spiritual Center

The resilience center in Ternivka began operations on January 26, 2023, on the property designated for a future church building. Just a few years ago, this was merely a vacant plot of land allocated to the community in 2020 for church construction.

However, the war shifted their priorities. Instead of standard parish development, the community began its ministry by addressing the most immediate needs of the population during blackouts and air raids—creating a sanctuary of support.

Today, the center remains open daily, both during church services and whenever an urgent need arises. On weekdays, 2 to 4 people visit, while on Sundays, the center welcomes 20 to 25 visitors. For some, it is a place to charge a phone or get out of the cold, but for most, it represents something much deeper.

Here, people find:

• Physical warmth
• Charging stations for gadgets
• Fellowship and emotional support
• Prayer and spiritual guidance

A Town Enduring the War Together

Like many towns in eastern Ukraine, Ternivka experiences the realities of war acutely. A large portion of the local population traditionally worked in the coal mines and local industries; following the full-scale invasion, many of these men joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

News of fallen defenders arrives regularly. The community gathers to escort them on their final journey, collects aid for the frontlines, and supports military families.

Compounding this grief are the psychological tolls of Russian attacks on the energy infrastructure. During mass strikes, residents endured prolonged blackouts, bringing along fear, uncertainty, and exhaustion. According to the parish administrator, Father Taras Salo, it was during these dark hours that people began to feel a particularly sharp need for community and spiritual reassurance.

When Faith Helps Overcome Loss

Every day, different stories of fear, pain, and hope echo within the walls of the center. One particular encounter left a deep impression on the community.

A local woman lost her son to the war. Following this tragedy, she fell into a severe emotional crisis and deep depression; life seemed to have lost all meaning. It was here, in this modest resilience center, that she gradually began returning to life—through prayer, counseling, and the steady support of those around her. According to the priest, faith became the source of strength that helped her survive her grief.

Sometimes, the words of gratitude from visitors are incredibly simple yet profoundly moving: “Thank you for just being here…”

A Resilience Center as a Center of Service

Today, the resilience center in Ternivka has grown into far more than a warming shelter.

Within its walls:

• Volunteers manufacture trench candles for the frontlines;
• Warm clothing and food supplies are collected for soldiers;
• Hot breakfasts are organized for individuals in need;
• The Blessed Vasyl Velychkovsky Catechetical School actively operates.

Effectively, the center has become the heart of the community’s spiritual and social life. The priest describes it as a true “stronghold of faith”—a place where people can not only weather difficult times but also find meaning, hope, and reassurance.

A Small Place of Immense Strength

At first glance, Ternivka might not capture major media headlines or feature massive humanitarian logistics hubs. Yet, it possesses something else—the quiet, daily labor of individuals looking out for one another.

For three years, this resilience center has remained a constant space where people can bring their pain, their fears, or simply their need to talk. Because of this, the community extends its simple yet vital words of gratitude to everyone supporting such initiatives across Ukraine and abroad.

Ultimately, resilience is not always born on the battlefield; sometimes, it is forged in a small room where people pray together, keep each other warm, and learn to believe in life once again.

Press Service of the Patriarchal Foundation “Mudra Sprava”