From the Front Lines of the War in Lviv, Ukraine
When it’s darkest, that is when we can see the stars—a story from the front lines of the war in Lviv, Ukraine.
“It’s hard to imagine” Father Oleh reflects on what has become his daily routine. Oleh serves as a parish priest in the Ukrainian Catholic Church of Lviv and is Professor of Philosophy at the Ukrainian Catholic University of Lviv. His story is one of many stories of faithful church leaders helping people experience God’s love in their darkest of nights. In scripture, we hear that God suffers with us. “In all their suffering he also suffered, and he personally rescued them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them. He lifted them up and carried them through all the years” (Isaiah 63:9). Father Oleh’s story shows how God is doing this yet again in Ukraine.
The church will not close. Quite the opposite, it has become a hub of relief work and spiritual care. Worship continues throughout the day, as priests pray with and listen to people’s questions, hurts and fears. At the same time, Oleh and others try to meet the enormous physical needs people have. Since the outbreak of war, thousands of people have come to the church and Oleh says “many who lost their faith are regaining it.” This includes the young generation, with one young woman expressing, “It is a miracle that you are in church now doing what you are doing.” Her tears were of gratitude mixed with despair. As we have seen in places like Syria and Lebanon, this is Christ’s church at its best in the darkest of moments.
While days are exhausting, the night offers little rest. Each night Oleh and his wife Ivanka tend to Oleh’s father who has Alzheimer’s and wakes up several times at night confused. Meanwhile they try to comfort their four children, ages 4 through 14. Lydia, their youngest, only wants hugs and kisses every ten minutes. Huddling in their apartment during the night is not good rest with alarms sounding and missiles striking nearby. As day breaks, Oleh returns to serve at the church while Ivanka cares for the family. Ivanka refuses to leave so the family can stay together for as long as possible.
The streets outside Oleh’s and Ivanka’s apartment are filled with fellow Ukrainians from the west making their way slowly to Poland. But what is unnerving is the number of women and children returning from the border having found it impossible to leave. It is winter so the streets are frozen and people are cold. So, Oleh praises God that the Russians have not yet destroyed utilities including internet. This means people can be warm and are able to communicate with the world still. He tells us that while everyone is being nice, fear and anger are real.
We wondered if Father Oleh would take up arms. His response is humbling. “I understand the need to take weapons, but I will not. Instead I will do anything else that is needed to show Christ’s love to everyone.” This is the witness into which God has invited The Outreach Foundation.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Outreach Foundation is pleased to come alongside the church Father Oleh serves. In addition to serving as a shelter for people now homeless, the church is providing small stipends to people who need funds to travel to Poland, and helping to buy food and supplies for families. Please make your generous gifts to “European Initiatives: War Relief” at The Outreach Foundation. You may make a gift HERE or by sending a check to our office.
