UOJ in America reports on Orthodox Ukrainians who found refuge in the U.S.

The Hryhorenko family at St. Anthony's Church. Photo: UOJ

An Orthodox Ukrainian family forced to flee their home due to the war has found a new life in the United States through the United for Ukraine program, reports UOJ in America.

Roman Hryhorenko, together with his wife and two daughters, fled Nikopol in the Dnipropetrovsk region at the beginning of the war. Before the conflict, the family lived a stable life, but on June 6, 2022, they ended up in Poland.

"When the war began, we decided to leave. We fled to Poland on June 6, 2022. Everywhere we went, at every stage, there were big challenges. I knew I was powerless, but I would just say, ‘Lord, save us!’ I gave it to God, and every time, He provided what we needed. God is good," Roman said.

After spending a year in Poland, Hryhorenko received the opportunity to move to the United States. The owner of a factory in North Dakota became his sponsor, helping him navigate the bureaucratic hurdles and obtain the necessary documents. "I spoke with the owner of a plastics factory, and he said, 'I will cover it all – just come,'" Roman recalled.

Later, the family relocated to North Carolina and became parishioners at St. Anthony the Great Orthodox Church in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The church community immediately welcomed Roman and his family, helping them adjust to life in America.

In an interview, Roman highlighted the special kindness of Americans: “Sometimes, during a break, people I didn’t know would come up to me, hug me, and say, ‘Roman, I know your family is still in Poland. I will pray that you are reunited soon.’ Or they would simply say, ‘We love you,’ and move on. This openness and kindness truly distinguish Americans from others.”

Though the family is building a new life, the pain of war remains: Roman and Ksenia witnessed the church in Nikopol, where they were wed, go up in flames. According to Hryhorenko, the church was destroyed in a missile strike. He also shared that one of the parishioners was killed by a missile while on her way to church.

Lately, the Hryhorenko family has been concerned by media reports of possible deportations of Ukrainian refugees, but official statements confirming the continuation of the program have brought them relief.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that in an interview with UOJ, the head of ROCOR said the number of parishioners in U.S. churches is growing.

Read also