Orthodox Church in America raises funds for Ukrainians in Poland
The Orthodox Church in America (OCA) together with the organization International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) has launched a drive to raise $50,000 for humanitarian aid to Ukrainian refugees in Poland, reports the UOJ in the USA.
Previously, the OCA had already raised more than $720,000 for ELEOS, the humanitarian agency of the Polish Orthodox Church, during the first weeks of the conflict. The funds provided immediate assistance to refugees and supported programs helping displaced families rebuild their lives. The OCA has maintained its relationship with ELEOS, with the OCA Chancellor, Archpriest Alessandro Margheritino, visiting its staff and ministries in Poland earlier this year.
Thanks to the current partnership between IOCC and ELEOS, thousands of Ukrainian refugees have received emergency financial assistance, housing, legal consultations, and employment support. Community integration centers have organized Polish language courses, while children have benefited from daycare programs. Vocational training and small-business grants have helped displaced families restore their livelihoods and move toward greater independence.
Met. Tikhon urged OCA clergy, monastics, and faithful to support the effort financially and prayerfully. He emphasized that Christian prayer should be accompanied by works of mercy, particularly for people displaced by war and facing continued uncertainty.
As the UOJ reported, the OCA Primate supported His Beatitude Onuphry after the strike on the Lavra.
