As a result of the war, most people in Ukraine are suffering fear, trauma and psychological stress, while many are torn by feelings of hatred and rage. So many families have been broken up and in many cases unable to get together again. The healing of souls is every bit as important as the easing of the immediate material needs and the eventual rebuilding of the cities and physical infrastructure after the war. And so, in addition to the immediate practical aid for refugees and the needy, the Church is striving very hard to ensure that people are not abandoned in their spiritual and psychological needs.
Bishop Vitaliy Kryvytskyi is seeing a growing demand for this kind of spiritual support, especially, though not exclusively, among young people. For example, whereas previously an average of around 200 young people took part in the diocesan youth days, today the number is around 400. And the diocese simply does not have enough space for such large gatherings.
So for now they have managed to find a temporary solution. In Zarichany, a small town close to Zhytomyr they plan to set up a large, permanent tent with enough space for big groups of people. This would offer space for youth meetings, retreat days, initiatives for families and internal refugees, as well as retreats and spiritual exercises for priests and religious and many other gatherings besides. At the same time the tent could be rented out for other gatherings, and so provide an extra source of income for the diocese.
Bishop Vitaliy is asking our help. He writes, „This is an essential part of our pastoral ministry, if the Church is to be alive and close to the people and effectively fulfil her mission. We can assure all your staff and supporters who are supporting our work in Ukraine of our constant and grateful remembrance in prayer.“
We have promised him the 39,500 Euros he needs to purchase and erect the tent, since we are convinced that it will make a vital contribution to helping both young people and adults in need of spiritual and psychological support, so that they can find a way forward into the future.
