Photo: His Grace Bishop David and His Grace Bishop Ilarion (Ukrainian Orthodox Church) offer a Panachyda for those who have suffered from the ongoing tragedy in Ukraine.

An Update to Our Humanitarian Aid to Ukraine Fundraiser 

It has been over a month since Ukraine was invaded by the Russian Federation leading to a violent war that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions of people. The world is watching and coming to the aid of Ukraine.

Through the generosity of our parishes, faithful, and friends, our Eparchy alone has raised over $1.6 million dollars (as of March 25, 2022) to help the innocent victims whose lives and country are being destroyed in this senseless attack on their sovereignty.

Bishop David has asked that donations “follow the people” wherever the need is greatest including:

• Humanitarian Aid to Ukraine supporting organizations on the ground including Caritas Ukraine, Ukrainian Greek Catholic eparchies, Sheptytsky Hospital (L’viv) and others. Donations are forwarded through the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA), an organization providing pastoral and humanitarian support to the most vulnerable people around the globe.

• Humanitarian Aid to help countries welcoming the over 3.5 million Ukrainian refugees, mostly women and children. Poland has taken over 2 million refugees, with Romania, Moldova and Slovakia together accepting over 1.5 million refugees. CNEWA is helping to direct funds where needed.

• Humanitarian Aid for refugees arriving in Alberta and welcomed by families throughout the province. We are working with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and Ukrainian Canadian Social Services to support the settlement, integration, and spiritual needs of those arriving in our province.

The outpouring of love and support has been truly amazing, but the need is great, and it will continue to be as Ukraine defends its freedom for all their citizens in all parts of the country. We ask that you continue to be generous with your gifts, but mostly we ask for your prayers. Let us pray to God our Father and Our Most Holy Mother for an end to the suffering of war and for justice and peace in Ukraine.

Support For Ukraine During the Week of March 20

March 25, 2022: St. Josaphat’s Cathedral joined by Bishop David and the faithful during the Act of Consecration in unity with Pope Francis.
Pope Francis will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary during the Celebration of Penance that he will preside over at 5:00 pm (Rome time), in St Peter’s Basilica. Pope Francis wishes to place the people of Ukraine and Russia under the protection of Mary, the Mother of God, with a special liturgical act. To this end, he will consecrate the two countries to the Immaculate Heart of Mary at a penitential celebration. This act has been well received by the Catholic Bishops in Ukraine, as well as by the Russian Bishops.  Watch Bishop David’s Homily here.

His Excellency Bishop David and His Grace Bishop Ilarion (Ukrainian Orthodox Church) offer a Panachyda for those who have suffered from the ongoing tragedy in Ukraine. Oleksandr Danyleiko, Consul General of Ukraine in Edmonton also joined. The display of children’s shoes is in remembrance of the 136 children killed in the 31 days since the start of the Russian invasion. View the stream here.

Bishop David Motiuk Catholic School prays and stands in solidarity with Ukraine. This is a display both inside and outside of the school made by students from kindergarten to grade nine. What an impactful statement made by our students!

The children of St. Benedict School made sunflowers while praying for Ukraine. 

Pray for peace and justice in Ukraine. God is the Lord of history and the Lover of Humankind. His grace changes the most hardened hearts. Ukraine was brutally invaded, its territory annexed, the society traumatized. May God convert the promoters of violence. The Lord miraculously liberated the peoples of the Soviet Union without war. May God’s gift of human dignity be honoured and protected. May God protect Ukraine and its people from further harm.