Polish Church awards UOC priests for charity

Clergy and volunteers of the UOC during the award ceremony in Warsaw. Photo: news.church.ua

On October 21, 2023, in the Cathedral of St. Mary Magdalene in Warsaw, the Polish Orthodox Church recognized priests and volunteers from the UOC for their charitable service by presenting them with awards, according to the Information and Education Department of the UOC.

The main award, given with the blessing of His Beatitude Metropolitan Sawa of Warsaw and All Poland, was presented to the cleric of the Kyiv Diocese of the UOC, Archpriest Olexiy Hodun, by Bishop Pavel of Haynów, Vicar of the Warsaw Diocese.

During the award ceremony, all those present offered a prayer of gratitude to God for the opportunity to carry out His service "with our feeble human hands."

In his response, Father Olexiy emphasized that this award belongs to all clergymen and believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church who, despite all the difficulties and obstacles, assist the Ukrainian Armed Forces and anyone affected by the war who needs support.

The priest also expressed his gratitude to His Beatitude Metropolitan Sawa for the high award and for his support and assistance in the work of the Metropolitan Foundation "Eleos" for the people of Ukraine. He also extended words of gratitude to His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kyiv and All Ukraine for his paternal prayers and support.

The event was also attended by the charitable organizations Caritas POLSKA and Diakonia.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the Polish Orthodox Church provided humanitarian aid to Kherson.

Read also

Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture

Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.

JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism

Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.

First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language

The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.

OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law

Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.

EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’

In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.

Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.