Director General of “L’Œuvre d’Orient” in Estonia Reaffirms Support for the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church
On August 15, the Feast of the Dormition of Our Most Holy Lady, Monsignor Hugues de Woillemont, director general of the French charitable organization “L’Œuvre d’Orient” (The Work of the East), visited the Ukrainian parish of Our Lady of the Three Hands in Estonia. During the meeting, he emphasized the organization’s commitment to continuing its support for Ukraine and cooperation with the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.
This was reported on the parish’s Facebook page.
Together with the parish priest, Fr. Roman Kikh, Monsignor Hugues de Woillemont celebrated the Divine Liturgy and then spoke to the parishioners about his visit to Ukraine and his meeting with His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.
Monsignor noted that he had seen many examples of people rethinking their wartime experiences and transforming them in various ways—into art, assistance to others, volunteer work, and the daily work necessary to sustain life. As one such example, he mentioned an icon of Christ painted on a board cut from an ammunition crate. He then expressed his hope for an end to hostilities in the country and emphasized that “L’Œuvre d’Orient” would continue to support Ukraine. This support involves not only material assistance but also ongoing personal contacts and cooperation.
Father Roman Kikh shared with the guest the history of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic community in Estonia, the parish’s ministry, and the assistance provided to Ukrainians affected by the war. The priest also highlighted the community’s pressing needs and challenges.
“L’Œuvre d’Orient’s” has been collaborating with the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church for over a century. It began in 1920. The organization has supported the UGCC, particularly in the areas of theological education, infrastructure reconstruction, and humanitarian projects.
After the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian war—and especially following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022—the scope of this support has expanded. Among the initiatives the organization supports through the structures of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church is the “Healing Wounds” program, which provides retreats and spiritual guidance for families and children affected by the war.
In 2025 alone, through the structures of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, the organization implemented and supported a number of projects and initiatives in Ukraine totaling more than 1.7 million euros.
The UGCC Department for Information
