Canada’s support for Ukrainians facing a military assault by Russia has been overwhelming, says the pastor of the Brantford Slavic Full Gospel Church.
“It has touched our hearts,” Oleg Stepus said.
He said the need for aid in Ukraine is great.
“Right now, the biggest need is for warm clothing – coats, socks, helmets and medical supplies.”
This week, Stepus helped unload a donation of cardboard boxes from Steve Hudson, president of Hudson Restoration in Brantford. Volunteers will help fill the boxes with donated clothing.
Located at 70 Superior St. since 2011, the church has 50 parishioners who live in Brantford and the surrounding area. Most are from Ukraine but some come from Russia.
When Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, Stepus, a native of Ukraine, said he was concerned the war would cause conflict within the church. He encouraged parishioners to show compassion to one another.
“I told them that love and faith will triumph,” he said. “Praying together, being together, is more important than ever and together we can get through this.”
Still, the situation has been difficult, he said.
“It’s upsetting and people in the church want to be able to do something to help.”
It’s estimated that more than two million Ukrainians – mostly women and children – have fled their homeland. Most have gone to Poland, Hungary and Slovakia.
The pastor said Ukrainians everywhere are proud of the way their military is defending their homeland.
“The Ukrainian people are resourceful and resilient and they’re fighting for everyone, not just themselves and their own country,” Stepus said. “They’re fighting for freedom, they’re fighting for all of Europe and they’re fighting for peace for all of us.
“So, I would ask people to reach out to their Ukrainian friends and neighbors and tell them, ‘I’m with you,’ and offer to help.”
Stepus called the invasion a tragedy.
“When we gather to pray, we pray for an end to the war and all of the suffering,” he said.
“We have to realize that we are all one and that we cannot get caught up in hate.”
To donate to the church, call 519-209-3856.
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