AID FOR UKRAINE
BRING GOD’S HEALING LOVE
In Ukraine, two years after the start of the Russian invasion, the war has created division and resentment in society, and grief has become a daily reality for many Ukrainians. There is a rift between those who left the country and those who stayed, between husbands serving at the front and their evacuated wives, and between those living through the war in western Ukraine and those in the east.
The population is terribly traumatized by the war, and the key question is how to cope with this trauma. About 80% of the population has been affected by this conflict, some are wounded physically, but most of all they are wounded in the soul. “As a Church, one of our first responsibilities is to take care of our priests. More than 50% of them have told us that they are exhausted,” says Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk. In the midst of adversity, the Church calls for reconciliation and forgiveness as part of the process of overcoming trauma.
“Ukrainians are feeling very, very tired. People are exhausted, because there are no signs that the conflict is coming to an end.“
-Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk-
Fear of oblivion
The situation facing Ukraine in this second winter of war, especially due to its power grid, is very serious and urgent. By 2022, about 60% of the country’s electrical infrastructure was destroyed, and it is estimated that this winter up to 75% of Ukrainians will be dependent on generators for electricity and heating.
Last December, Kiev suffered its heaviest shelling to date, in a reminder of the urgency of the situation. Ukrainians are worried that the world will forget about their war, humanitarian aid will dwindle and the population will be left helpless.
So you can be the one to bring God’s healing love to our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.
Prayer for Ukraine
Lord, save us from killing our neighbor with our words or deeds. Give us the strength to always be on the side of life and to build up rather than destroy. Forgive those who have become instruments of death and hatred.
Teach us in these times of trial and difficulty to turn to You more and more, as the true source of Life. Forgive those who, blinded by ideology, carry death in their hands.
Show us how to help our neighbor with a willing heart, so that the eyes of our souls may always see You in our neighbor. Forgive those who could have helped, but missed the opportunity to do so.
Lord, be a reward for all our benefactors who have opened their hearts and homes to help Ukrainians.
We thank those who have not lost their humanity despite the war.
Lord, be a reward for all those who have given their lives for their neighbor and, when we have to do so, give us courage. Forgive those who have taken up arms and kill the defenseless.
Strengthen the spirit of all those who await the return of the prisoners, the wounded and those who are searching for the missing.
Lord, renew and strengthen our faith in this time of trial and grant us to desire above all to fulfill Your will in every moment of our lives.
Amen.
Founded in 1947 as a Catholic aid organization for war refugees and recognized as a Pontifical Foundation since 2011, Aid to the Church in Need is dedicated to the service of Christians around the world, through information, prayer and action, wherever they are persecuted or oppressed or suffering material need.
ACN – Aid to the Church in Need gGmbH, HRB 8446 es una organización sin ánimo de lucro registrada oficialmente en Alemania y auditada internacionalmente por KPMG.
CONTACTO
ACN International
Aid to the Church in Need gGmbH Bischof Kindermann Straße 23, Königstein in Taunus, 61462 HE Germany Ph.: +49-6174-291-0
Email: info@acn-global.org