500 children in Kyiv receive Christmas gifts from UOC's Social Department

Among the beneficiaries of the department are children with disabilities, autism, orphans, and large families. Photo: t.me/blago_church_ua

On January 4, at the Resurrection Church in memory of those who died and veterans of the Afghanistan War, the Synodal Social and Humanitarian Department of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) distributed 500 Christmas gifts to children from families of internally displaced persons, orphans, low-income and large families, and children with disabilities. This was reported by the Telegram channel "Church Helps."

The head of the Social Department, Archpriest Sergiy Ekshiyan, emphasized the importance of Christmas traditions of charity at the start of the event. He noted that the initiative took place with the blessing of His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry.

“In these days, we prepare to celebrate the Nativity of Christ. For us, this is a great mercy and great joy given by God. The Lord is born into the world for the salvation of every person,” said the priest.

Archpriest Sergiy highlighted that when a person lives with God in their heart, their life changes, making it “very important to be close to God in thoughts and actions.”

“We pass on the blessing of our Primate, that the Lord may bless you and your families, protect you from all troubles, restore what you have lost, and ensure that you are always under the protection of the Mother of God and Christ,” he said.

The beneficiaries of the department include children with disabilities, cancer patients, children with autism, and those who have lost parents and are under the care of relatives.

Volunteers and staff of the Social Department handed out gifts to the children and their families while congratulating them on the upcoming Nativity of Christ.

Kristina, who relocated with her 10-year-old daughter from the Shostka district, shared her gratitude:

“My husband serves in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Many of us have lost homes, belongings, and clothes. We are grateful to the Church for its support. Help is very much needed during such a difficult time, not only material assistance but also moral support, so people feel safer, and children can experience a moment of joy,” said Kristina.

A large family in Kyiv, headed by Natalia, also received gifts. Natalia has seven children, the youngest being five years old.

“We thank Metropolitan Onuphry and the benefactors for the gifts. Times are tough, but the children are looking forward to the holiday. We try to visit the church more often and have been learning Christmas carols with the kids to visit relatives and glorify Christ,” Natalia shared.

Oleksandr, a displaced person from Vovchansk, Kharkiv region, came to pick up gifts for his sister and her children.

“My sister relocated from Chernihiv, and here in Kyiv, she gave birth to her third child and is currently in the maternity ward. This aid is essential for people who have lost their homes and parents. We are grateful for the gifts because they provide moral support for both parents and children. These gifts inspire and remind us that we are not forgotten during these unstable times,” said Oleksandr.

The UOC Social Department expressed gratitude to all benefactors who contributed to the collection of gifts for the children.

As the UOJ previously reported, about 8,500 people received assistance from the Favor Foundation in frontline areas.

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