Meals that warm both body and soul”: Join the charitable project from “Mudra Sprava
Monday. The thermometer reads −7 degrees Celsius. In Kyiv’s Vynohradar district, near the “Invincibility Point” “Good Samaritan,” established through the efforts of the local parish community and the Patriarchal Foundation “Mudra Sprava,” people begin to gather. They already know each other, having come here more than once. Conversations about everyday life fill the air: the morning, the weather, and… the latest UAV and rocket attacks on Kyiv.
Unfortunately, war has become an everyday reality, impossible to escape. It would seem this should lead to despair, disappointment, even psychological destruction. But despite all the daily hardships and worries, these people retain hope. Hope given by the defenders on the frontlines, protecting the country and everyone at the cost of their own lives; hope nurtured by those who continue to support and care for others. For the displaced, for those in need, and ultimately, for themselves, for those affected by this brutal war.
For the third winter in a row, volunteers from the local parish community, with the support of the Patriarchal Foundation “Mudra Sprava,” share hot meals and the warmth of their hearts with those in need.
***
Tuesday. From early morning, the volunteers of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary parish community in Irpin are ready to go. They face an important task — to distribute hot meals and then visit those who, due to illness, infirmity, or old age, cannot come for them on their own.
The simple act of remembering them is the most profound gift. Every visit is a moment of sincere connection, marked by both heartfelt dialogue and deep appreciation.
“As long as the cold weather persists, this service in Irpin is quite relevant!” — notes Father Myroslav Latynnyk the rector of the parish. “We rejoice that we can warm everyone in need with hot meals and care, as well as those who find themselves in difficult life circumstances,” he adds.
***
Friday finds us at the Brovary City Territorial Center for Social Services and the modular town for displaced persons in Brovary, Kyiv region. At a designated point, people eagerly await the familiar ‘Mudra Sprava’ vehicle. Their anticipation isn’t just for the hot meals, but more importantly, for the gesture of attention and the feeling of closeness.
“These aren’t merely meals,” the Center staff emphasizes. “This charitable initiative reminds people they are remembered and cared for.” It’s not simply about distribution; it’s about the shared joy of knowing you’re not alone, a joy experienced by both those receiving and those serving.
“I’m reminded today of Mr. Mykhailo from Zvanivka, a man whose deep faith has touched us all. His daughter had requested confession for him during my next hot meal delivery. At 88, his physical journey to church is a challenge, but his spiritual journey remains strong. It is my pastoral responsibility to ensure he, like all the faithful, remains in God’s grace. Mr. Mykhailo, to me, a young priest, is a living example of sincerity, kindness, and unwavering faith. Although I am decades younger, he saw the priest and with amazing strength grabbed my hand to kiss it. When I hesitated, he humbly explained: ‘Father, let me, I kiss the hand that blesses, I am so used to it.” You look at this holy man and begin to think about eternal values, about humility, about the testimony of faith, about authenticity, and about humanity, which is impossible without God’s grace. Please pray for Mr. Mykhailo and his family! And we continue to work, pray, and serve! With God, we will defeat any enemy, internal or external,” says Father Serhiy Synovitskyi, assistant priest of the Three Holy Hierarchs parish in Brovary.
Hot meals from the Charity Kitchen
Recognizing the urgent humanitarian crisis created by russia’s war against Ukraine and the added challenges of winter, the Patriarchal Foundation “Mudra Sprava” launched a critical hot meal initiative in 2022. Today, the Charity Kitchen, located near the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ of the UGCC, continues to prepare 200 nourishing meals daily for those in dire need. With the logistical strength of the UGCC Logistics Center, these meals are delivered to parish hubs in the Kyiv region, currently serving Vynohradar district in Kyiv, Brovary, Boryspil, and Irpin. Local parish volunteers, the heart of this effort, deliver these meals directly to the most vulnerable: internally displaced persons, individuals with disabilities, those living in poverty, and all who have been profoundly impacted by the war.
To date, we have managed to prepare approximately 86,670 hot meals. The Charity Kitchen’s meals offer more than just food; they are delivered with heartfelt communication, bringing joy, support, and hope for a future of safety and dignity.
We emphasize the spiritual dimension of service, understanding that shared love fosters gratitude, empowering individuals with inner strength and confidence, and creating a resilient community united in hope for victory.
You can make your donation in the form of funds, assistance, or prayer by following this link: https://mudrasprava.fund/projects/charity-kitchen/
Press service of the Patriarchal Foundation “Mudra Sprava”
