UGCC parishioners in Irpin support IDPs in local modular settlement

This initiative, made possible through collaboration with the Patriarchal Foundation “Mudra Sprava,” also includes spiritual guidance, with local Greek Catholic priests, Myroslav Latynnyk and Vitaliy Voetsa, regularly visiting the camp to offer spiritual counsel and engage in discussions on matters of faith.

The hot meals are prepared by the Charity Kitchen, located at the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ of the UGCC. Each day, local chefs prepare 200 hot meals, which are then transported to various parish centers in the Kyiv region through the UGCC Logistics Center. This autumn and winter, these parishes include Brovary, Boryspil, and Irpin. Volunteers within these parishes distribute and deliver these meals to those in need, including internally displaced persons, individuals with disabilities, the poor, and those facing difficult life circumstances. The parish community of Irpin dedicates special attention to delivering meals to the ‘Lastivka’ modular town.

“This is not the first time we have delivered hot meals to the modular town,” explains Father Myroslav Latynnyk, rector of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary parish in Irpin. “Last year, during the colder months, we successfully organized this vital support for IDPs. This year, people have already inquired about it, anticipating not only the meals but also a sign of closeness and support. They are grateful for the feeling of not being forgotten, especially when it comes to the closeness and ministry of the Church”.

Father Myroslav noted that these meal distributions often become opportunities for sincere communication and the sharing of life stories. He emphasized that people today appreciate such moments of human connection even more than the material assistance itself.

Father Myroslav added that over 130 children currently reside in the town. Therefore, parish volunteers are actively preparing for the upcoming St. Nicholas Day.

In April 2023, the first phase of the “Lastivka” modular housing estate was opened. This provided temporary housing for 36 families from Irpin, including families of fallen Ukrainian Heroes, large families, military personnel, and internally displaced persons. The estate consists of 12 Finnish townhouses, each with three apartments.

On November 22, 2023, the second phase of the modular township was opened, adding 20 more two-story modular houses with 160 apartments. This expansion significantly increases the housing capacity, providing temporary shelter for up to 640 people.

Each apartment in the modular town features a spacious living room-studio with designated areas for relaxation and cooking, equipped with modern built-in appliances. Additionally, each apartment includes a separate bedroom and a bathroom with a shower. Designed to comfortably accommodate up to five people, each apartment is fully furnished and ready for immediate occupancy.

The construction of the modular town in Irpin was made possible through the generous support of Polish donors. Furthermore, the regional budget contributed UAH 15 million to this vital project.

Valentyna Kuchynska, an internally displaced person residing in the Lastivka modular settlement, expressed her gratitude: “We are deeply grateful to God and the priests for organizing these lunches within the modular town. During this challenging time, we truly feel the warmth of your hearts. We wish you all God’s abundant blessings”.