On December 19, 2022, the children from de-occupied territories of Ukraine received a momentary reprieve from their hunger, cold and fear, as they gathered within the warm walls of the Kyiv Orthodox Theological Academy to receive the gifts left them by St. Nicholas (Svyatij Mykolaj).
That’s according to the press service of the UOC of the USA.
Thanks to the generous donations of the faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, with the blessing of Metropolitan Antony, the Prime Hierarch, Archbishop Daniel was able to transfer not only funds, but fun, to the children who so desperately need a glimmer of hope, and a return to the innocent excitement of childhood.
Working in conjunction with the UkrTransNafta employee charitable fund “Hardened Hearts” and the American charitable organization “Help Heroes of Ukraine”, the artistic agency “Territory A” organized the event within Academy’s facilities.
Metropolitan Epifaniy, Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, joyfully addressed the children gathered before him. Many of the youngsters had lost their fathers who had died in battle against the invading Russian forces. These children have come to expect tragedy and terror and were moved to hear about the kindness and generosity of St. Nicholas, and all the miracles he had performed. As they sat mesmerized, their mouths open in wonder at the marvels wrought by Mykolaj, they were asked to approach and receive a generous gift left for them.