The Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton

The Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton serves some 25,000 faithful in 81 parishes and missions throughout Alberta. His Grace, Bishop David Motiuk is entrusted with the oversight and spiritual care for the people within the Eparchy.

The invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation prompted the Eparchy to initiate a fundraising campaign in support of the people of Ukraine. Parishioners, faithful, and the community at large, responded with great concern and generosity. Several families and parishes together pledged $1,250,000 in a matching donation program. The community answered the call and through these efforts raised over $2,600,000.

Bishop David asked that donations “follow the people” wherever the need is greatest. In this regard, funds are being disbursed to organizations in Ukraine that are helping the poor and vulnerable, and to our parishes in Alberta involved in supporting evacuees arriving in Alberta. Funds have been disbursed:

• Humanitarian Aid to Ukraine supporting organizations, in Ukraine and neighboring countries, including Caritas Ukraine, Ukrainian Greek Catholic eparchies and exarchates, Sheptytsky Hospital (L’viv), Sister Servants, and others. These funds are specifically used to treat the wounded, feed the hungry, support those fleeing war-torn areas of Ukraine with medical help, military chaplaincy, palliative care assistance, spiritual and psychological counseling. Relief efforts are extended to all areas of the country including Chernihiv, Odesa, Chernivtsi, Sambir-Drohobych, Kramatorsk, Kyiv, Ternopil, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Buchach, and Zaporizhzhia.
• Humanitarian Aid for refugees arriving in Alberta is a grant program available to parishes within the Eparchy who are welcoming families throughout the province. $200,000 has been set aside for this purpose. Our parishes are actively supporting the needs of families including: delivering programs for children, helping families with basic expenses for food, clothing, housing and medical needs, English language programs, as well as mentorship and social opportunities.

The world-wide outpouring of love and support for a country devastated by war is inspiring, but the need continues to be great. The Eparchy of Edmonton will further its fundraising efforts to send Humanitarian Aid to Ukraine.

“We pray for the people of Ukraine, for an end to the war and for justice and peace throughout the world.”