Representatives of the Charitable Organizations “L’Œuvre d’Orient” and “Kirche in Not” Familiarized Themselves with the UGCC’s Social Ministry During the War

The French charitable organization “L’Œuvre d’Orient” was represented by Jérôme Dartiguenave and Jean Michel Coulot.

Lviv Region: Supporting Parish Self-Reliance

First, the guests visited the Lviv region, specifically the parish communities of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Novyi Rozdil and the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Lopatyn. In these parish centers, the guests had the opportunity to learn about the social ministry carried out through specific projects that were supported by the “Mudra Sprava” Foundation last year.

On March 14, the benefactors visited Novyi Rozdil, where they familiarized themselves with the activities of the charity kitchen “Dobry Varenyk” for its further scaling. The social ministry of the parish community was presented by Father Ivan Rybko, the local rector. “Together, we will be able to help even more those in need,” he summarized.

The next day, March 15, French guests, accompanied by representatives of “Mudra Sprava”, arrived in Lopatyn, where they were met by Father Vasyl Zhdan, the rector of the local parish community. First, they all visited the local volunteer kitchen together. The guests also learned about the activities of the “TViR” Catechetical and Youth Center and the English language school.

Finally, the benefactors visited the more than century-old house of Burgomaster Ignacy Zhaki, which the local parish community is restoring and plans to turn into a social center.

Kyiv: Hot Meals Distribution

Jerome Dartigunave and Jean-Michel Coulot visited Kyiv to assess challenges in central, northern, and eastern Ukraine. They met with Father Lyubomyr Yavorskyy, Patriarchal Econome and Director of the Patriarchal Foundation “Mudra Sprava,” and Iryna Havryshkevych, Head of the Project Department of the UGCC Patriarchal Curia.

Accompanied by Father Lyubomyr and Iryna, the French guests then visited Irpin’s Greek Catholic Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Parish priest Myroslav Latynnyk highlighted the growing needs of parishioners and residents due to ongoing military actions, emphasizing their need for both material aid and community support.

Representatives of “L’Œuvre d’Orient” joined volunteers distributing hot meals. The Patriarchal Foundation “Mudra Sprava” implements this project in the Kyiv region with “L’Œuvre d’Orient” support, having provided over 29,000 meals to date.

Poltava: Meeting with priests of the Kharkiv Exarchate

On March 18, 2025, the All Saints of the Ukrainian Nation parish in Poltava hosted Lenten spiritual retreats for priests of the UGCC Kharkiv Exarchate. This also provided an opportunity for the clergy to meet with benefactors.

The priests of the Kharkiv Exarchate had the chance to describe their current situations and present the challenges faced by people in their areas of ministry.

Representatives of the charitable foundation were deeply moved by the dedication and sacrifice with which Ukrainian Greek Catholic priests serve during Russia’s war against Ukraine. They admired the courage and resilience of the pastors who, despite mortal danger, remained in frontline territories, particularly in the settlements of Vovchansk, Bilche, Zolochiv, and Izium.

Kharkiv: What does one of the UGCC’s largest social hubs look like?

The benefactors also visited the social service center near the Cathedral of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Kharkiv. Bishop Vasyl Tuchapets, Exarch of Kharkiv, introduced the guests to the space where humanitarian aid is received, sorted, and distributed. According to him, on Thursdays, when aid is distributed, about 1,500–2,000 people from across the Saltivka district gather near the church. People need practically everything—adult and children’s clothing, food, baby formula, hygiene products, medicine—as Russia systematically strikes their area.

Jerome Dartigunave and Jean-Michel Coulot, accompanied by Bishop Vasyl Tuchapets, Father Lyubomyr Yavorskyy, and Iryna Havryshkevych, also visited the local office of the Caritas Kharkiv Charitable Foundation.

“Together, we had the opportunity to see how Ukrainians are living in the fourth year of the full-scale invasion, looking at the situation from different perspectives. From warm local meetings in the parish community of St. Anna in Vyshneve, Kyiv region, getting acquainted with the team of the Caritas Chernihiv Charitable Foundation led by Father Roman Pushka, to deep discussions in intellectual circles with Valeriy Pekar, strategic conversations with Caritas Ukraine President Tetiana Stawnychy, and an important dialogue at the Apostolic Nunciature with Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas. These meetings once again remind us how crucial international solidarity and support are. We thank ‘L’Œuvre d’Orient’ for their unwavering friendship and help to Ukrainians!” said Father Volodymyr Malchyn, rector of the parish community in Vyshneve.

Lviv: Concluding the visit

To conclude their visit, Jerome Dartigunave and Jean-Michel Coulot returned to Lviv, where they visited the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate and the Sisters of St. Josaphat. They also had the opportunity to speak with Bishop Petro Loza of Sokal-Zhovkva, Sister Magdalyna Vytvytska, Deputy Head of the Patriarchal Commission for Monastic Affairs, and Father Roman Demush, Deputy Head of the Patriarchal Commission for Youth Affairs.

Visit of “Kirche in Not” representatives

The international charitable organization “Kirche in Not” was represented by Father Anton Lässer (Spiritual Director), Ms. Magda Kaczmarek (Head of the KIN section in Ukraine), Santiago Diaz (KIN fundraising specialist), and Lukasz Hrubesz (communications expert).

Over the week, the guests visited various locations, familiarizing themselves with initiatives, projects, and challenges. As the foundation supports charitable activities in 140 countries worldwide, they aimed to personally witness the urgency and importance of their support for initiatives in Ukraine. Father Anton Lässer shared a moving story about a poor woman from Brazil who earns a living by handwashing clothes for others. Her Saturday earnings are entirely donated to “Aid to the Church in Need.” According to the spiritual director, such “widow’s mites” demand extraordinary responsibility in how funds are utilized and, consequently, in supporting various projects.

On March 21, a delegation from ACD visited the UGCC Lviv Archeparchy. Their visit began at St. George’s Cathedral with a joint prayer and a tour of the St. George’s Complex. Archbishop and Metropolitan Ihor Vozniak of Lviv welcomed the guests, thanking the charitable organization for their prayers and support for the Church and the Ukrainian people during this difficult wartime.

While at the Patriarchal House in Lviv, the benefactors held working meetings with His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church; Father Lyubomyr Yavorskyy, Patriarchal Econome of the UGCC; Iryna Havryshkevych; and Sister Sevastiana Karvatska and Myroslava Polets from the Commission for Pastoral Health Care.

KIN representatives also visited the Redemptorist monastery, meeting Father Bohdan Heleta, long held captive in Russia, and the contemplative Redemptorist sisters. In the evening, the delegation travelled to Stradch, where Father Anton joined pilgrims at the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos Church for the Stations of the Cross prayer.

Father Lyubomyr Yavorskyy: “We are not left alone!”

Every visit from representatives of charitable organizations from abroad becomes an opportunity to touch the wounds of Ukrainian society, scarred by the Russian war, and to once again be convinced of its invincibility and resilience. This is evident in their continuous service to those in need and to one another, as well as in their desire to grow and develop their own projects.

“In the current turbulent world, marked by not always favorable geopolitical trends and news, and our anxieties about Ukraine’s future, our long-term partners are even more actively demonstrating their closeness, presence, and support. Moreover, they come to Ukraine, visit our compatriots in need, and launch new charitable projects.”

“Indeed, this week was especially impactful. We were honored to host three of our key partners. First, we welcomed representatives from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, led by Bishop Gerald Vincke, who chairs the Subcommittee on Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe. Then, to personally witness the profound challenges faced by the Ukrainian people, we had Jean-Michel Coulot and Jerome Dartigunave from the charitable organization ‘L’Œuvre d’Orient,’ who travelled to Poltava and Kharkiv. To round out the week, our Patriarch, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, and I met with representatives of the charitable foundation ‘Kirche in Not’ — specifically, Chief Chaplain Anton Lässer and Magda Kaczmarek, who oversees the Ukrainian initiatives within their organization. These visits were crucial for strengthening our partnerships and ensuring continued support for Ukraine.”

“Today, more than ever, Ukrainians need good news, comprehensive support, and the feeling that we are not left alone in our struggle. Sincere gratitude to all who stand on the side of truth, humanity, and a just peace today!” — noted Father Lubomyr Yavorskyy in his summary post.

Press Service of the Patriarchal Foundation “Mudra Sprava”