Archbishop Daniel, Ruling Hierarch of the Western Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and Diaspora met with Oleksiy Makeev, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Germany.
That’s according to the Church’s press service.
Arcbhishop Daniel expressed his gratitude to the Ambassador for all his hard work in assisting Ukraine and her people during the war. His Eminence stated that he looks forward to continued efforts in cooperation with him and the German Government in providing a peaceful and spiritual home for the Ukrainians in Western Europe. Together they will make an immeasurable difference.
During the meeting, the two spoke about the difficult situation facing Ukraine, and how best to help those who are fleeing for their lives. Archbishop Daniel stated that the heart of any community is their church. This has been true historically and globally. As people settle, they open churches where they are free to worship, gather, celebrate, and educate. It is thanks to churches that communities globally have been able to preserve their languages, live their customs, enjoy their traditions, and preserve their heritage.
His Eminence stressed the importance of these church communities in Germany, which he is currently visiting. They have become a hub, a lifeforce, for countless refugees who have found themselves homeless and in desperate need of spiritual, mental, and physical assistance. As he visits the parishes throughout Western Europe of the UOC of the USA and Diaspora, and blesses the creation of new ones, he sees the huge impact they are having on the people who find solace and peace due to these church communities.
It has been the mission of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and Diaspora, of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, to provide assistance during this difficult time. Archbishop Daniel explained that through the generous donations of the faithful of the Church, they have been able to make a difference in the lives of the people suffering in Ukraine, and those who have been displaced. Over 100 ambulances have been purchased and provided to the Armed Forces of Ukraine which will be instrumental in saving the lives of the injured. Countless tons of medical supplies and warm gear such as boots, vests, and warm blankets have also been purchased. Additionally, countless truckloads of food, toiletries, hygiene products, and other necessities such as portable stoves and generators have also been purchased and provided to the innocent and suffering civilians of Ukraine in order to sustain them through the war until the country is victorious and they can rebuild their shattered lives.
Ambassador Makeev has been instrumental in keeping the German government aware of the needs of the refugees who wander into the county, as well as reinforcing the need to support Ukraine in her current battle for freedom during the current unprovoked invasion by the Russian Federation.
