As the world prepares for the celebration of Christ’s birth, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA (UOC of the USA) remains a beacon of hope and love for those suffering in the shadow of war. With faith and compassion as their guiding light, the Church’s charitable outreach program is transforming lives in the bombed-out regions of Eastern Ukraine. During the pre-Nativity season, marked by the feast of Saint Nicholas, the Church embodies the saint’s legacy by delivering gifts, food, and hope to those in dire need.
That’s according to the Church’s press service.
“Our mission is simple but profound,” shares Very Rev. Fr. Kostyantyn Kuznetsov (dean of the Donetsk Deanery of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine), who leads this effort with his wife, Natalia, and their son, Dmytro. “We want to bring the joy of the Nativity to children, widows, and elderly people who have lost so much. Every box we send carries not just material support, but the love and prayers of our faithful.”
The feast of Saint Nicholas, celebrated on December 6/19, holds a special place in the hearts of Orthodox Christians. Known as the protector of children and a symbol of selfless giving, Saint Nicholas inspires the UOC-USA’s outreach efforts. Through the support of parishioners and friends, the Church gathers toys, books, traditional Christmas candies, and Ukrainian-language literature for children, as well as food and hygiene items for families and the elderly.
This year, the outreach program has focused on areas like Pokrovsk and Druzhkivka, regions devastated by ongoing bombings. Many families have been displaced, and elderly individuals often remain trapped in ruins, unable to leave due to poverty or mobility issues.
“These are people who face unimaginable challenges,” explains Fr. Kostyantyn. “Children who’ve lost their homes, widows struggling to survive, and elderly individuals living in cold, dark apartments. We cannot erase their suffering, but we can remind them they are loved and not forgotten.”
The journey to deliver aid is fraught with obstacles. Roads are often impassable, and infrastructure has been destroyed. In many cases, the only way to reach those in need is by relying on Ukrainian postal services to deliver carefully packed parcels to remote areas.
Dobrodiyka Natalia, who helps coordinate the logistics, describes the process: “We pack every box with care, including toys for children, warm socks, and sweets. It’s not just about the items; it’s about sending a message of love. We want them to know someone cares.”
Dmytro, their son, plays his part as well. “I love helping pack the gifts,” he says. “I hope the kids who open them feel happy, even if just for a moment.”
The impact of the Church’s outreach is profound. Recipients often respond with tears of gratitude. “We received a call from an elderly woman who had been living without heat for weeks,” shares Natalia. “She said the food and blankets we sent saved her life.”
One young boy, who lost his father in the war, was overjoyed to receive a toy truck. “It’s the first time I’ve seen him smile in months,” his mother shared.
The UOC-USA’s efforts have inspired many to join the cause, but the need remains great. Archbishop Daniel, speaking on behalf of His Eminence Metropolitan Antony – spiritual father of the UOC of the USA, calls on all people of goodwill to help: “In this sacred season of the Nativity, God calls us to reflect His love through our actions. Each child we help, each elderly person we comfort, is a testimony to Christ’s light in the world. Let us rise to this calling, giving the best of ourselves as God’s creation, to bring hope where there is despair and warmth where there is cold.”
Despite the hardships, the faithful and friends of the UOC of the USA remain unwavering in their commitment to serve. Fr. Kostyantyn reflects, “Difficult trials have befallen every Ukrainian. But we are strong in spirit, and with God’s help, we will endure. Love and freedom will triumph over darkness.”
The Church’s outreach program is a reminder that even in the midst of devastation, acts of kindness can shine brightly. “In these cold days, each of us can do a good deed to make every little one warmer,” says Fr. Kostyantyn. “Together, we can give them a holiday and moments of joy, showing them that they are not alone.”
