«We are ready to help Ukraine in every way we can,» representatives of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops visited Kyiv

Bishop Gerald Vincke, the newly appointed Chairman of the Subcommittee on Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe, and his team arrived in Ukraine for the first time to express support and solidarity with Ukraine on behalf of American Catholics, as well as to learn more about the activities of the UGCC, discuss new charitable initiatives, and strengthen further cooperation with Catholics in Ukraine. This is reported by the UGCC Information Department.

The delegation also included: Fr. David Songy, Capuchin, Ms. Jennifer Healy, Director of the Catholic Foundation of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, Mr. Andrew Kirkpatrick, and Ms. Maria Lupiy.

On March 17, the delegation from the United States participated in the distribution of hot meals for the needy in Kyiv, organized by the Patriarchal Foundation «Mudra Sprava». Providing food to the most needy in Ukraine is a project that the foundation helps to implement.

Bishop Gerald Vincke, after talking with people in need, stressed the importance of special assistance in this difficult time of war: «Our number one priority is really the people of Ukraine. We want to walk with them, we want to accompany them in this very difficult time of their lives. We love them, we really love them. They are our brothers and sisters in Christ. And so, we care about them, and we see Jesus in them,» the bishop said.

He also shared his impressions of his stay in Ukraine, noting the strong resilience of Ukrainians who, despite all the trials, continue to fight for their country: «The hearts of Ukrainians are very strong, very persistent. But they are burdened by the war and its consequences. We are ready to help Ukraine in every way we can,» the bishop added.

On the eve of March 16, the delegation took part in the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Kyiv, where Bishop Gerald Vincke concelebrated with the Head of the UGCC, His Beatitude Sviatoslav.

The Father and Head of the UGCC expressed his gratitude to the delegation for their support and solidarity, noting: «At a time when different signals are coming from America to Ukraine, the Catholic Christians of America are actively supporting us.» In addition, on March 14–15, representatives of the American Catholic Foundation of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops visited the Lviv Archdiocese.