Dear Faithful and Friend of Holy Trinity,

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

As we move into another day of fighting in Ukraine, we continue to pray for peace even as we weep. We are witnessing a great tragedy before our very eyes. Many of us have family and friends there in Ukraine who are innocently suffering destruction not only of property but of life and limb. I know of several who have already spoken and texted family and friends to say their final good-byes as bombardments of artillery and rockets rain down upon them. For all those who have lost their lives, we pray that their memory be eternal! That God remember them and grant comfort to their families who are experiencing such loss and tragedy.

Many of you have asked how you can help. There are two sites that are collecting funds that I personally trust and recommend. The first is through the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA. Metropolitan Antony and Archbishop Daniel have set up this site and have assured that the funds will be used properly. Their website and page for donations is here: https://www.uocofusa.org/news_220224_1.

The other organization is the IOCC, the international humanitarian aid and development agency of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America. This is their website: https://iocc.org/blog/category/where-we-serve/ukraine.

Assuring you of my love and prayers,

Fr. Luke