His Beatitude Sviatoslav urges parishes abroad to join the “Help Ukraine Survive the Winter” initiative

The Head of the UGCC made this statement during an online meeting with priests serving in countries without UGCC hierarchical structures, who are under the care of the Pastoral-Migration Department (PMD). According to the UGCC Information Department and the PMD press service, the video meeting was attended by the PMD team, led by Bishop Stepan Sus, and nearly 100 priests from 17 countries.

“Today, the most critical issues for Ukraine are heat and light. While the world’s attention is focused on Kyiv, the situation is just as dramatic in Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, Odesa, and many other cities,” emphasized His Beatitude Sviatoslav. According to him, this winter is one of the most difficult since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, as systematic missile strikes on energy infrastructure have led to large-scale power and heating outages.

The Primate noted that in Kyiv alone, up to a thousand high-rise buildings remain without electricity, heat, or hot water. “One such building houses as many people as a large village in Galicia. Despite the cold and hardships, I see the resilience of our people—they are holding on and persevering,” he underlined.

His Beatitude Sviatoslav also reported on the work of the Resilience Center at the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Kyiv, which operates 24/7. Here, people can warm up, recharge essential devices, and, if necessary, stay overnight. The center’s operation is powered by a generator, but fuel costs alone amount to approximately 40,000 UAH per week.

Furthermore, the UGCC Patriarchal Center in Kyiv operates a kitchen that prepares hot meals for 200 people daily. In cooperation with Caritas, there are plans to increase this to 1,000 meals per day. Food is delivered to the homes of those who, due to health conditions or other circumstances, cannot come in person.

Speaking about international support for Ukraine, the Head of the UGCC noted a wave of solidarity from European countries, particularly Poland. He cited the example of Krakow, from where 196 generators have already been sent to Kyiv as part of a separate support initiative. “This is not just material aid—it is a sign that Ukraine is once again in the spotlight, and the image of a Ukrainian in the world is that of a hero,” the Primate remarked.

Responding to priests’ questions regarding the most urgent needs, His Beatitude Sviatoslav emphasized that financial support for resilience centers is the top priority.

“This is about funds to ensure their daily functioning—fuel, electricity, and food. Therefore, I urge you to announce the ‘Help Ukraine Survive the Winter’ campaign and direct donations to the account of the Mudra Sprava Patriarchal Foundation. You can be certain: every hryvnia will be used to help those who need it most,” he stated.

In conclusion, His Beatitude Sviatoslav thanked the priests and communities abroad for their constant support of Ukraine and Ukrainians during the war, emphasizing the importance of maintaining church unity and solidarity at this crucial moment.