The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church continues to respond to the consequences of the explosion at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Station and implements various forms of assistance to fellow citizens affected by the incident.
This was reported by the press service of the Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops of the UGCC.
On the evening of June 9, from the center of the Caritas Charitable Foundation in Kolomyia, two trucks loaded with hygiene kits and one truck with food supplies were sent to Greek Catholic parishes in the Kherson region. These parishes have been serving as centers of assistance since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. The total shipment includes 15 tons of water, 4 tons of hygiene products, 10 tons of food, and 600 kg of animal feed.
Thanks to the cooperation between the Patriarchal Foundation "Mudra Sprava" and various UGCC dioceses abroad, as well as the involvement of compassionate benefactors, these supplies are being delivered to the most affected regions hit by the flooding.
Father Igor Makar, the pastor of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary parish in Zelenivka and the administrator of the parish of St. Cyprian and St. Justinia in Antonivka, describes the situation in the flooded area: "It is difficult because the water is still rising. However, in Antonivka, Bilozertsi, and Kherson, it has already receded by a meter. But it has caused a lot of damage, including sludge and other dirt. It has also eroded some cemeteries. Therefore, we don't know what will happen next... Currently, there is no passage to Antonivka, and you can only go there by dirt road."
According to him, most people are not evacuating. They are trying to relocate to their relatives or friends who live in higher buildings so that they can return as soon as the water recedes. They are afraid and concerned about their property, which means they need assistance.
"Our Church continues to work and serve, especially in Kherson, Beryslav, and Zelenivka. Every day, we call the authorities, who constantly inquire about the needs and possibilities of assistance. So, to the best of our ability, we help the people," emphasized Father Igor.
However, the priest's heart is even more burdened for the Left Bank region.
"It is much worse on the left bank because the water mostly flowed there. Unfortunately, we do not have access there, so we cannot help in any way. Nevertheless, we continue to pray in our parishes for those who remained there," he said.
On Sunday, June 11, prayers were held in the parishes of Zelenivka and Inzhenerne for the people of the Kherson region who were affected by the explosion at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Station.
Father Igor Makar added that 630 food kits were also delivered to Antonivka from the Patriarchal Foundation "Mudra Sprava."
The charitable project for providing hygiene kits was made possible thanks to the financial support of Ukrainians and compassionate people from the United States. The fundraising was carried out by the St. Josaphat Eparchy, with its headquarters in Parma, Ohio, USA.
Bishop Bohdan Danylo of the UGCC Eparchy of Parma stated, "Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the St. Josaphat Eparchy has been striving to help refugees and internally displaced persons.