The Odesa Exarchate of the UGCC and the Patriarchal Foundation “Mudra Sprava” continue to carry out charitable activities in southern Ukraine.

The Odesa Exarchate of the UGCC and the Patriarchal Foundation “Mudra Sprava” also continue to carry out a variety charitable activities in southern Ukraine

Through the efforts of the logistics headquarters of the foundation within the Odesa Exarchate, for which Rev. Yurii Stronianskyi is responsible, during the past six months, close cooperation with parish communities was established, where the needy received more than 7,500 food kits.

“The activity of the foundation Mudra Sprava in the Odesa Exarchate began during the summer, when we actively distributed food kits to displaced persons, pensioners, families with many children, and to people with disabilities. Thanks to the efforts of our Patriarch Sviatoslav, we received a bus, which helps us to respond to people’s needs in a quickly and timely manner,” states Rev. Yurii Stronyanskyi.

The Odesa Exarchate currently encompasses a substantially large territory that includes the Odesa, Mykolaiv, Kherson and Kirovohrad regions. The parish communities of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church bring together the people of these regions. These communities have become the centers for the providing of assistance and the distribution of food kits to those in need.

“The most interesting moments in my service nowadays are the moments we go to our priests and parishioners and they greet us with a smile, rejoicing not because you brought something, but because you are nearby and we can talk and spend time together,” emphasizes Rev. Yurii.

According to Rev. Yurii, traveling into the Kherson region is most terrifying, a region that includes the parishes of Soniachnoho, Fedorivky, Zelenivky, Beryslava, Zmiyivky, Kherson. Despite explosions everywhere, travel there is imperative. “It is difficult to comprehend that this is not a movie, but real events taking place in one’s own country. The people who remain there have lost a great deal. However, they have not lost hope, nor lost the deep understanding of themselves as Ukrainians,” continues Rev. Yurii.

Rev. Yurii also spoke about a trip to the Kherson Region with Bishop Mykhailo Bubnii, Exarch of Odesa. As the priest notes, the bishop’s support, and consistent attention are extremely important. Many people gather simply to be together and to be with their bishop.

“I thank all the donors and volunteers who help us provide such food kits and enable us to share them. I hope and believe that we will not stop at Kherson, Beryslav, and Zmiyivka, but will continue onto the Left Bank, as well, to Skadovshchyna, where our parishes are still under occupation. They continue to stand. And I believe they will endure,” concluded Rev. Yuriy Stronyanskyi, head of the logistics headquarters of the Patriarchal Foundation “Mudra Sprava” of the Odesa Exarchate of the UGCC.