“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2

Dedicated to the brave defenders of Ukraine who carry the Cross of sacrifice in the name of freedom and dignity.

The banquet of the 24th Regular Sobor of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA (UOC of the USA) became a powerful testimony that Christian faith must always be expressed through action. In the presence of clergy, delegates, faithful, and friends of the Church, three wounded soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were received as honored guests - young Ukrainian heroes who sacrificed their health defending peace, freedom, and the God-given dignity of their nation.

Through the humanitarian outreach of the Church and in cooperation with the Protez Foundation, these soldiers are currently undergoing prosthetic treatment in the United States. Inspired by their courage and sacrifice, the UOC of USA made a charitable donation of $20,000 in support of their rehabilitation.

On behalf of the clergy and delegates of the Sobor, and with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Antony, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel presented a donation of $15,000 to the representatives of the Protez Foundation. An additional $5,000 was contributed by faithful parishioners of the Church, bringing the total donation to $20,000.

The formal presentation was made by His Eminence Archbishop Daniel together with Very Rev. Protopresbyter Stephen Hutnick, Treasurer of the Consistory of the UOC of USA.

In his remarks, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel stated: “There is no greater love than this: to lay down one’s life for a friend. These young men did not hesitate to answer the call of duty. Their sacrifice is a living Gospel - a witness of courage, faith, and love for one’s neighbor. We do not honor them with words alone, but with action - because love must be visible.”

Continuing a tradition of pastoral care for military personnel, Very Rev. Fr. Volodymyr Steliac, Pastor of St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Silver Spring, Maryland and a Chaplain in the U.S. Air Force, presented each soldier with a military challenge coin on behalf of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA.

The coin featured St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Memorial Church with the flags of Ukraine and the United States on one side, and the official seal of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA on the other. These coins, traditionally given to soldiers for acts of honor and loyalty, were presented as a tribute to the soldiers’ courage, sacrifice, and faith.

Fr. Volodymyr noted: “You are not alone - Ukraine is not alone. The Church walks with you. We do not abandon our defenders; we stand with you on the battlefield of healing and hope.”

Representatives of the Protez Foundation traveled to attend the Sobor banquet. This U.S.-based organization provides free, high-quality prosthetics and rehabilitation for Ukrainian soldiers and civilians who have lost limbs as a result of Russian aggression.

The delegation included: Yakiv Hradynar, MD - Founder and Chief Medical Officer, Protez Foundation; Volodymyr Dolynka - Volunteer, Founder of Radio Chicago and Surma Newspaper; Ludmyla Shchovdra-Kurynytska – Volunteer, and Pavlo Kurynytskyi - Church Relations Manager, Protez Foundation.

Dr. Hradynar expressed gratitude to the Church, saying: “What you have done tonight is more than charity - it is humanity, it is Christian love. When Ukraine suffers, you suffer with her. When our soldiers fall, you help them rise again. You are changing lives.”

Three wounded Ukrainian soldiers were present at the event:

Illia Mysiura – from Volyn. Rifleman-medic, 3rd Separate Assault Brigade. Joined the military in September 2023. Wounded in the Kharkiv region in March 2024.

Maksym Zhdanov – from Zhmerynka, Vinnytsia region. Soldier, 3rd Separate Assault Brigade. Wounded in Orlivka.

Oleksandr Zhalinskyi - from Mykolaiv. Senior Soldier, AZOV Brigade. Wounded in the Serebrianka Forest in the Donetsk region.

Their testimonies of service and sacrifice received a heartfelt standing ovation from all in attendance.

In his prayerful reflection at the close of the evening, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel said: “We pray for Ukraine’s soldiers - not only for their victory, but for their healing. They defended Ukraine with their bodies; now it is our turn to defend them - with our hearts.”

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA renews its unwavering commitment to Ukraine, supporting hospitals, chaplains, orphans, refugees, and now - our wounded soldiers. The Gospel teaches that love is proven by deeds. The Church invites the faithful to continue supporting its compassionate humanitarian outreach.

May God heal the wounded, comfort the grieving, protect the defenders of Ukraine, and grant peace with justice to the land that stands in truth. Lord, bless Ukraine. Lord, bless her defenders. Lord, bless Your people. Amen.