The Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church Meets with Leaders of the French Charitable Organization “L’Œuvre d’Orient”
On April 20, at the Patriarchal Center in Kyiv, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, held a working meeting with a delegation from the French charitable organization “L’Œuvre d’Orient,” led by its Director General, Monsignor Hugues de Woillemont.
The meeting was also attended by Fr. Lubomyr Yavorsky, Patriarchal Economist of the UGCC; Vincent Gelot, Executive Director of the organization; and Jérôme Dartiguenave, representative of “L’Œuvre d’Orient” in Ukraine.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav briefed the delegation on the current challenges posed by the war, the strategic needs of the Church, and the social conditions facing Ukrainian society. Particular attention was given to the activities of parishes and eparchies in eastern and central Ukraine, which have been receiving regular assistance from “L’Œuvre d’Orient” since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022.
The French delegation arrived in Ukraine to see firsthand how the projects they support are helping people during the war and how the Church continues to serve in healing its wounds despite all the challenges. In addition to the capital, representatives of the organization are visiting cities in western Ukraine and also plan to travel to Cherkasy, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia to meet with local communities.
The Director General of “L’Œuvre d’Orient” emphasized that supporting Ukraine is a historic mission of the organization, one that has continued since 1920. The current cooperation encompasses both initiatives of the Patriarchal Curia and targeted assistance to specific church structures in frontline areas.
“I arrived as the new director of L’Œuvre d’Orient at a time when Ukraine has been heroically resisting aggression for five years now. I remember my visit to Kyiv, Bucha, and Irpin in September 2022—today I am here again to reaffirm our commitment,” said Monsignor Hugues de Woillemont.
“Despite the challenges in the Middle East, which also require our attention, we do not forget the Ukrainians for a moment. The Church in France stands with you in prayer and solidarity,” he assured.
He also added that the Ukrainian people’s example of faithfulness and courage is an inspiration to the entire Christian community in France.
