The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the United States of America of the Ecumenical Patriarchate has announced a mission trip to Ukraine for youths: “We show the face of Christ to these children (…) and by doing so reaffirm the Holy Orthodox faith among the people of Ukraine,” wrote the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry at the UOC of the USA.
Young volunteers from the United States who have applied to travel to Ukraine will spend time with orphans, children with special needs, playing educational games with them and holding various competitions.
The trip will last from Aug 8 to Aug 18, 2022, as announced on Facebook by Archbishop Daniel (Zelinsky) of the UOC of the USA.
“We hope to bring aid and comfort to special needs orphans and orphanages in a country that currently does not have the means to do so,” the Ministry’s report says .
“We pray that by offering daily prayer services, as well as our love and works, that we will bring not only ourselves but all involved closer to Christ our God. This mission is also devised to provide young adults with the opportunity to deepen and learn about their faith through true Christian witness, pilgrimage, fellowship, and love,” the UOC of the USA said.
Volunteers from the United States will be helping children with special needs in Ukraine. This includes help during meals and physical therapy, singing, performing short plays and special projects such as teaching the children basic gardening skills.
Classes are designed for children with multiple disabilities, such as leukemia, physical deformity, Downs’ syndrome, and mental disorders.
While in Ukraine, a team of volunteers will grasp the opportunity to visit historical sites and take a tour of the capital Kyiv.
