On October 31, on behalf of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, the presiding chairman of this agency Patriarch Filaret of the UOC-KP addressed the Ukrainian people and called on the faithful of the Ukrainian churches and religious organizations to organize humanitarian aid in the ATO area.
The text of the message:
Ukraine is experiencing one of the hardest moments of its history. So now our society needs more than ever mutual help, support, compassion and charity.
Winter is coming, and internally displaced persons from East Ukraine and Crimea, people who are in towns and villages destroyed as a result of hostilities, Ukrainian soldiers and volunteers need special help and support.
Churches and religious organizations, along with many volunteers and supported by thousands of enthusiasts have already gathered and sent humanitarian assistance, protection, money to those in need. But we should not dwell on this: the winter cold, the destroyed infrastructure, and lack of proper food supply are challenges that we can only handle together.
So, welcoming and blessing the compassionate, charitable volunteering activities, we encourage everyone, especially the faithful who belong to our churches and religious organizations, to contribute their best efforts. Ukrainian military servicemen residents of the East of Ukraine, internally displaced persons require our attention and support.
We also address the government to foster better cooperation between government agencies and volunteers in gathering and distributing humanitarian aid. No one should be afraid of competition, because good deeds are done first not for fame or praise, but for the good of the neighbors.
We invoke God's blessing on all philanthropists and good deeds!
On behalf of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations,
Filaret