Ukraine
“Don’t underestimate the long-term impact of the war in Ukraine, says Bishop
“…The pain and trauma of war has been visited on Ukraine and its people for almost nine months and, at this time of remembrance, it is fitting we pray too for the people of Ukraine – with a particular focus on the lost children.
“’The trauma will be generational – it will have a great impact on future generations,’ [Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski, Bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of the Holy Family of London] says. ‘But the more we’re able to help people feel safe and at home and not to lose contact with their homeland – with Ukraine – that will assist in the healing of the trauma.’
“’Right now, we’re looking at how can we make people feel at home, to feel comfortable and safe here. Then we will need to start looking at how to heal trauma.’”
Source: The Catholic Church, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, 10 Nov 2022.
For a complete version of this article, visit the following web link: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/dont-underestimate-the-long-term-impact-of-the-war-in-ukraine-says-bishop/
“Hundreds to stand in solidarity with Ukraine on #RedWednesday
“London's Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral will host #RedWednesday 2022, (23 November) as hundreds stand in solidarity with the suffering people of Ukraine.
"The annual #RedWednesday event raises the plight of persecuted Christians to governments and societies across the West, informing them on how to alleviate the suffering of the world's most innocent victims of indiscriminate violence, harassment and oppression….
“Bishop Jude Arogundade [of Ondo] will highlight the growing wave of terrorism targeting Christians and other minorities - kidnappings, killings of priests and lay people, land-grabs and attacks on churches packed with faithful….
“ACN UK National Director, Caroline Hull, said: ‘Red Wednesday should be in everyone's calendar-when we here in the UK take a stance against violations of religious freedom around the world, we give those without a voice a chance to be heard. I'm standing up for Christians and other religious minorities who are discriminated against or persecuted simply for living out their faith. Red Wednesday is a call to action for people of all faiths and none. Please join us to support all those who suffer for their religious beliefs.’
"There will also be a presentation on ACN's Persecuted and Forgotten: A Report on Christians Oppressed for their Faith 2020-22, due to be launched in Parliament on Wednesday, 16 November. The report provides an overview of the situation facing persecuted Christians, focusing on 24 countries including China, Pakistan, Burma, much of the Middle East and parts of Africa such as Nigeria, which have been hit hard by Islamist violence….”
Used with permission from Independent Catholic News, Source: ACN, 15 Nov 2022
For a complete version of this article, visit the following web link:
“Ukrainians turn to the Bible for hope
“Despite the war in Ukraine Bible mission there not only continues, but has expanded. The Bible Society leader in Ukraine, Oleksandr (pronounced Alexander), says that people fearing for their own lives and the lives of loved ones are turning to the Lord in ever greater numbers.
“From Kyiv he said this: ‘Churches are filled with people wanting to pray and find comfort. People call us and visit daily, desperate to get Bibles. But our stock for the entire year is almost gone. People are taking whatever we have….
“Oleksandr added that the Bible Society team in Kyiv has been given a special military pass to travel around the city to distribute basic aid and Scriptures…. Other Bible Society workers are in southern Ukraine, delivering Scriptures and basic aid to people in hospitals and bomb shelters. …
“If you want to help get more Bibles to Ukraine please go to biblesociety.org.uk/ukrainechurch “
With Permission, The Bible Society
“Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal: How you can help
“Like you, CAFOD is deeply disturbed by the ongoing attacks on Ukraine.
“Together, we stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and send our prayers to our sister organisation Caritas Ukraine, and those Caritas agencies in neighbouring countries, who are already helping people affected by this conflict….
“Every human life is priceless. We are calling for an urgent diplomatic solution and a lasting ceasefire to prevent further suffering and to bring peace back to the region. There is now a growing humanitarian crisis…. Schools, hospitals and water systems must be protected from any armed violence so that practical help can be delivered without delay to people across the country. The UK must also show compassion towards those who are fleeing the conflict, providing safe passage and refuge to those who need it. We are concerned by reports of discrimination at Ukraine borders and call for all refugees to be given help and safe passage regardless of their ethnicity, gender or faith.”
Please pray and donate what you can to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
With permission, CAFOD, 20 Apr 2022
“Church leaders join Hour of Prayer for Ukraine
“Senior church leaders representing various Christian denominations came together on Monday, in an ecumenical Hour of Prayer for Ukraine, at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in London. The service followed an event in March where senior faith leaders met with Faith Minister Kemi Badenoch at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in London, and was a further demonstration of solidarity and support for Ukrainian people.
“The service reflected a breadth of different spiritualities, traditions and ways of prayer, beginning with the chanting of the Sixth Hour Office of the Ukrainian Church by the Cathedral Clergy led by Rt Rev Kenneth Nowakowski, Bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of the Holy Family of London.
“Bishop Nowakowski said: 'It was a very moving experience to be united in prayer with so many leaders of the Churches and Christian Faith communities of London at Holy Family in Exile Cathedral for peace in Ukraine. We cannot underestimate the power of prayer as our Lord Jesus Christ told us that 'Where ever two or three are gathered in my name, I am there with you.'"
Independent Catholic News, Source: Ukrainian Catholic Church Press Office, 11 Apr 2022
“Kate and Will praise CAFOD and DEC £300 Million Ukraine Fundraising
“The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have met CAFOD as they marked £300 million being raised by the British public in response to the crisis in Ukraine.
“William and Kate were given a private briefing about the DEC’s work on 21st April … [and] how CAFOD donations have enabled Caritas aid workers to support Ukrainian families with food, shelter and medicine.
“During their visit, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge pledged to make a second donation to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Ukraine appeal as they praised the DEC’s ‘incredible’ total which has topped £300 million.
“William and Kate praised the generosity of the British public. The Duke of Cambridge said it was particularly generous due to the current cost-of-living crisis….
“The umbrella organization [DEC] of 15 leading UK Aid charities, including CAFOD, has been supporting some of the seven million internally displaced Ukrainians and the five million who have fled the country following the Russian invasion.
“[DEC’s chief executive said] ‘The need inside Ukraine and surrounding countries is huge. So the £300 million is of course a huge amount of money and we’re very grateful for that, but we also have to remember there are other crises around the world.’
“’And whilst the focus remains on Ukraine for the moment, we still have an Afghanistan appeal open that’s raised £44 million, we’re worried about famine in the Horn of Africa, global hunger is on the rise and the World Bank warned, with soaring food prices, (that) millions could be pushed into poverty.’”
With Permission Universe Catholic Weekly, 27 Apr 2022