Support for IDPs from Kupyansk: UGCC Volunteers Deliver Aid and Words of Hope
February 18, 2026
With the blessing of H. E. Vasyl Tuchapets, Exarch of Kharkiv of the UGCC, volunteers from the Cathedral of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker visited internally displaced persons from Kupyansk on February 12, 2026.

Traveling to meet people who are enduring the loss of their homes for the second time were Ms. Olena Skorokhodova, Sister Yeremiya Slobodyuk, and Sister Oleksiya Pohranychna from the St. John Paul Monastery.
The volunteers brought food packages provided by the Patriarchal Foundation “Mudra Sprava”, but the most vital gift they brought was words of support and meaningful human connection.
Homeless for the Second Time
On January 24, 2026, the dormitory housing the displaced residents from Kupyansk was severely damaged by a Russian attack. For many, this is not their first loss: they had previously fled their homes due to the hostilities, and now they are forced to move yet again—relocating to another temporary shelter.
Starting life over from scratch, undergoing repeated adaptation, enduring the pain of constant instability, and carrying the exhaustion of continuous loss—these are the exact challenges these individuals face daily.

Assistance with a Human Face
In days like these, even the smallest gesture of care takes on a profound meaning. The delivered food packages served not only as practical support but also as a sign of solidarity—proof that those who suffered are not forgotten.
The volunteers took time to speak with the families, listen to their stories, and pray together. For many, this encounter served as a powerful reminder: there is a community standing beside them that will not abandon them in times of hardship.
The organizers of the trip emphasize that support for the IDPs remains ongoing. Ultimately, for people who have lost their homes for a second time, what matters most is not just material assistance, but a sense of presence, profound empathy, and hope.
Press Service of the Patriarchal Foundation “Mudra Sprava”


