Source: Union of Orthodox Journalists
Odessa, September 19, 2016
September 14, the Coordination Centre of Odessa Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church handed over humanitarian food aid to138 families, which include internally displaced people from the eastern regions of Ukraine and Odessa citizens who are in need of such assistance.
All are welcome to participate in the charity event – every church of the Odessa diocese runs collection points for food and cash funds, which are sent to the Coordination Centre for further distribution among the needy.
For more than two years the Humanitarian Centre of the Odessa diocese has collected and passed into the zone of armed conflict more than 200 tons of food, medicine and clothing. It also donated more than 3 million UAH for treatment of Ukrainian citizens who have suffered from the military conflict, and to support large families and the needy.
September 12, in the Kirovohrad diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church the head of the Department for Charity and Social Service Archpriest Ioann Shemediuk handed over to orphans from the "Centre of Social and Psychological Rehabilitation of Children" clothes, shoes and toys. The aid was gathered by the parishioners of the Holy Transfiguration Cathedral. Many things were intended for infants.
Recently Archpriest Peter Kotiuk, rector of St. George’s Church in the village of Zavorichi, Brovary district, visited a large family of six children living in precarious circumstances. Parishioners collected sweets and toys for them.
Father Peter said, "Without mercy, we are not Christians. If children from childhood see and feel love and support, in the future they will never pass over trouble and other people's problems."
