March 15-22, 2025

Fastiv, 15.03-22.03.2025

Praised be Jesus Christ!

I write this report from Kharkiv. And this, as always, is a good opportunity to thank our Orionist sisters, at whom we stop when we head to the Donbass. Because from Kharkiv, it’s closer to those who live near the war.

In recent days, we have visited many places that have become part of our common road during these years of war. Places where the war is not somewhere on a screen, but nearby – just outside the windows, and in the lack of light, tired views, or silence of children.

The first of these cities was Kramatorsk. We brought humanitarian aid for people who were forced to leave their homes in Toretsk and Chasiv Yar. These are basic things: food, hygiene products and clothing. But behind them is a deeper truth: this help is a sign that they are not forgotten, that they are cared about.

We sincerely thank everyone who shares this mission with us. We can only help because we receive help – from good people and organizations. Thank you Xenia Association, Dominican sisters, and everyone who is nearby. Especially – the Red Cross from Malta.

Next – Druzhkivka. There is a mobile shelter there – a place where those who run away from the war can find shelter. It’s not just a roof over your head – it’s an opportunity to feel safe again, be in a safe space, albeit for a short time. We met Ms. Svitlana Grekova, who serves in social laundry rooms open in the Donetsk region. There are things for hundreds of people every day. We transferred 300 kg of washing powder so that these washing can work smoothly. We also brought wheelchairs – for those who are particularly vulnerable during evacuation.

Then – Rodynske. It is only 9 km from Pokrovsk. It is difficult to get there: there is no mobile phone signal, electricity or gas. There are problems with drinking water. There are 1,100 people left in the town now. We arrived to a place where we distributed humanitarian aid a month ago. We saw that everything was handed over. People remain alone and in need. Now we brought what is really needed: stoves, household chemicals, diapers, urological substrates, wet wipes, and cat and dog food. Things that may seem familiar – but they make it possible to survive and maintain dignity.

Someone could ask, “Why don’t they leave?” The answer is complicated. Often they are elderly. Or they have nowhere to go. People are constantly being convinced to leave the city … but many remain. And we ask: do not leave them. We will come back to Rodynske as often as possible.

We thank our dear Charitables Freta – Mr Pavlo Bandazhevsky and Mr. Andrzej Zaborowski, who brought to Fastiv humanitarian aid this week. For all your efforts, we thank you sincerely.

Our first official icon painting course also ended. Thank you to Sister Daniela Radomska and all participants – it was a time of light, beauty and common prayer. I think we will share more next week.

Thank you to everyone who supports us, who remembers us in prayer, who asks: “How can I help?” Your support is truly vital to us and for those we serve.

With prayers and gratitude

Fr. Mykhailo Romaniv OP