On November 30, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church to Hold Annual Charity Event “Andriyiv Hrish”
On November 30, the Day of Remembrance of St. Andrew the First-Called Apostle, churches of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church around the world pray for the Head of the Church and conduct the annual charity collection Andriyiv Hrish (Andrew’s Pence). The purpose of this campaign is to enable the Andriyiv Hrish Foundation to effectively assist His Beatitude Sviatoslav, the Father and Head of the UGCC to promptly respond to pressing needs of those in need.
“In the context of a terrible war and the enormous suffering of the Ukrainian people on their native soil, the collection of Andriyiv Hrish demonstrates its particular effectiveness—it enables us to provide rapid and targeted relief,” noted His Beatitude Sviatoslav.
The Patriarch thanked all the faithful of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Ukraine and abroad for their united universal prayers and generous donations last year, which helped save lives and heal the wounds of Ukrainians: “I thank those who support our universal church solidarity on the feast of St. Andrew the First-Called.”
Patriarchal economist Fr. Lubomyr Yavorsky added that the collection is an integral part of the “Healing the Wounds of War” program, which aims to provide immediate assistance to people suffering both physically and mentally from the repercussions of war.
“We invite everyone to join this noble cause, to become an instrument of our Church—its hands— in supporting those who need help the most,” said Fr. Lubomyr.
To make a donation, please follow this link.
Reference
The “Andriyiv Hrish” campaign was initiated by Patriarch Lubomyr Husar. Since 2007, by decision of the Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, donations have been collected annually in all archeparchies, eparchies, and exarchates of the Church in order to provide immediate assistance to those most in need.
Where do the donations go?
Thanks to the “Andriyiv Hrish” fund:
- Social and pastoral projects are implemented—support for the needy, medical and humanitarian aid, assistance to families, children, and people affected by the war. Recently, thanks to this collection, projects were made it possible to form and distribute food packages in frontline regions and prepare hot meals for those in need in the Kyiv region;
- the fund makes it possible to respond quickly to pressing challenges, in particular the needs of priests, doctors, and lay people who find themselves in difficult circumstances. For instance, last year, the fund supported the organization of the “Christmas Miracles” holiday space at the Patriarchal Center in Kyiv to support and rehabilitate children;
- funds can be allocated to support communities both in Ukraine and abroad, where our parishes are located. This is especially important for mission areas.
