On November 19th, Russia unleashed more than 470 attack drones and 48 missiles, striking civilian buildings and vital energy infrastructure across the regions of Donetsk, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Dnipro, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Lviv regions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Ternopil, several nine-story residential buildings were hit, igniting massive fires and causing severe destruction. Twenty-five people \u2014 among them three children \u2014 lost their lives. Seventy-three others, including fifteen children, were wounded. Emergency workers continue their exhausting efforts to rescue those still trapped beneath the rubble. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the midst of this suffering, St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Ternopil has opened its facilities to provide emergency assistance and shelter for those affected. The parish community has opened its doors to provide warmth, safety, and essential support \u2013 and continues to accompany people spiritually and practically in these difficult hours. Moments like this remind us how vital it is to support the Church\u2019s mission of compassion and service, as it remains present where suffering is greatest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bishop Theodore Martyniuk, Metropolitan of Ternopil-Zboriv Archeparchy, is urging us to stand with the families who have lost their homes and all they\u00a0possessed. They are in immediate need of the basics \u2014 such as heaters and warm blankets to endure the cold\u00a0and small kitchen appliances. In these critical hours,\u00a0your generosity can bring real comfort and dignity to those who are suffering. Whatever you are able to give – large or small\u00a0– \u00a0will\u00a0make a profound difference for a family struggling to begin again.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLet us unite in prayer for our fallen citizens and entrust them to God’s mercy. Let us also remember all the wounded, those who have lost their homes or are suffering from the cold. Let us surround them with our brotherly and sisterly love.\u201d \u2013 Bishop Theodore Martyniuk, Metropolitan of Ternopil-Zboriv (UGCC website) <\/p>\n\n\n