Bishop Stanislav Shyrokoradiuk has asked our Diocese for financial help to support a much-needed refugee centre within his Diocese of Odesa-Simeropol in Southern Ukraine. Bishop Stanislav writes:

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“Odesa-Simeropol Diocese, as of all Ukraine, is going through a very difficult trial of war. Bombing, shooting, air raid alarms have become our daily experience."

"I am staying in Odesa until the end. The Catholic Church is continuing to carry out its mission. We support our people spiritually, providing humanitarian aid to those who were not able to leave, help many families to find refuge in a more secure place [and] have four Masses daily, and offer our prayers for the departed souls of victims."

"The cost is high, and we are not able to cover it with our own efforts – we will be grateful for any assistance.”

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The refugee centre is about 260km from Odesa. It currently provides shelter for about 100 elderly people, women, and children but needs funding to pay for food and utilities. If parishes would like to fundraise or donate to our brothers and sisters in Odesa, the Finance Office in Hove can assist with making banking transfers. Please contact E: coo@abdiocese.org.uk for more information.  

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Ukrainian Speakers – help available

The Diocese is doing what it can to help Ukrainian refugees arriving in our Diocese and is compiling a list of English-Ukrainian speakers. To date we have volunteers with fluent Ukrainian in Addlestone, Weybridge and West Byfleet, an intermediate speaker in Horsham and beginners (who also speak Russian) in Worthing and Redhill. If your parish needs help with translation, please contact; E: communications@abdiocese.org.uk

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