“Just yesterday, the Russians dropped 10 air bombs on Kostyantynivka - not counting drone strikes and artillery fire. The city is being completely destroyed. In some places, graves have begun to appear in the yards and gardens.”

This is the reality of Ukraine today. While world leaders sit at tables in Washington, D.C. or Alaska, speaking of “negotiations” and “peace,” Ukrainian cities continue to burn. The bombs fall, the fires consume, and the people of God suffer. Innocent lives are shattered while “diplomacy” is debated thousands of miles away.

Metropolitan Antony and Archbishop Daniel of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA often remind us: “Peace cannot be negotiated while bombs are falling on children. True peace is born only where truth and justice are honored, and where love - not violence - rules the human heart.”

And so, amid the smoke and ruins, mercy shines through in small yet profound acts of love.

The Church continues to serve those who feel abandoned and unwanted. At the House of Mercy for the elderly and disabled, volunteers arrived with simple gifts: fresh food, sweets, and the most essential items - diapers, bedding, and clothing.

At first glance, one may think this is merely an “old people’s home.” But within its walls are souls who once raised families, worked tirelessly, and gave their lives to others - only now to face their greatest fear: to be forgotten by their own children.

“It is painful to look into their eyes,” one volunteer admitted. “They gave everything, and now they fear they are no longer needed.”

Archbishop Daniel has said many times: “The Cross of Christ teaches us endurance and love. God Himself endured - and commanded us to endure as well. When we serve the forgotten, the broken, and the lonely, we meet Christ face to face.”

In the House of Mercy, volunteers sat with each resident, speaking of forgiveness, patience, and the eternal love of God. In their eyes filled with tears, mercy became incarnate.

Later that day, another visit was made - this time to a children’s orphanage, where displaced boys and girls live without parental presence. Many are true orphans; others have families but cannot return home.

Together with his wife Nataliya, Fr. Kostyantyn Kuznetsov shared: “We brought them hot pizza, Pepsi, and Fanta. And with the school year just two weeks away, we purchased school supplies - notebooks, pens, backpacks - so that they can study with dignity.”

These children, with sad and weary eyes, have endured more than most adults could bear. Their childhood has been marked by air raid sirens, explosions, fear, and tears. They tremble at every loud sound. And yet, with a slice of pizza in hand and a new notebook to write in, they smiled.

“This,” Archbishop Daniel reflected, “is the true Gospel at work: feeding the hungry, comforting the frightened, giving hope to the hopeless. These children’s laughter, even for a moment, is proof that evil cannot extinguish the light of Christ.”

The mission of mercy extends also to those who once stood at the frontlines. One soldier, discharged from service, lay in unbearable pain without medication. For three days he endured without painkillers until the Church transferred him funds so his wife could immediately buy what was needed.

Another family from Kostyantynivka, now displaced to Rivne, struggles to survive. The father, a soldier discharged after spinal surgeries, lives with metal plates in his back. His wife works tirelessly to support two children, carrying the weight of the family alone.

Alongside medical aid, the Church distributes food, tourniquets, and supplies to soldiers still serving, ensuring that even in the trenches they feel the love and support of their people.

Beyond institutions and frontlines, the streets themselves cry out. Families barely survive; most of their income goes to rent and utilities, leaving only scraps for food. Clothes and medicine have become luxuries. For pensioners, the struggle is even harsher.

Calls, text messages, and pleas arrive daily: “Please, help us. Even a little.” And so, food is distributed - warm meals, bread, and basic items that for many have become unattainable. The Church works nearly without rest, answering each cry for help with whatever resources can be gathered.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy,” teaches the Lord (Matthew 5:7).

In this time of war, mercy is not optional - it is essential. Archbishop Daniel reminds the faithful: “Every act of mercy is a victory over darkness. When we share bread, medicine, or even a kind word, we testify that Christ has not abandoned His people. To help a neighbor is to touch the very heart of God.”

St. Hillary  once wrote: “From the days of John the Baptist until now the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.” Today, Ukrainians know this truth deeply - but they also know that faith, love, and good works remain stronger than any weapon.

The bombs continue to fall. Kostyantynivka, like countless other cities, is scarred by fire and ash. Graves appear in gardens where children once played. And yet, amid destruction, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA continues to sow mercy:

• Caring for the forgotten elderly.
• Bringing joy and supplies to orphaned children.
• Supporting wounded and displaced soldiers.
• Feeding the hungry on the streets.

“This war seeks to destroy life,” Archbishop Daniel has said. “But every time we serve - every time we feed, clothe, comfort, and pray - we proclaim that life is stronger than death, love is stronger than hatred, and Christ is stronger than the darkness.”

And so, in a world torn by violence, the Church continues to be what it has always been: a lamp shining in the night, a witness of Christ’s mercy, and a voice of hope that even in the ruins of war, life will triumph.