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A Ukrainian bishop reports minus 30 degrees, trauma and destroyed infrastructure – the diocese of Fulda supports the people and promises further help.
Fulda – The Ukrainian Greek Catholic bishop of Buchach in western Ukraine, Demetrius Bohdan Hryhorak OSBM, gave insightful insights into the current situation in his homeland during a visit to Fulda. In conversation with Auxiliary Bishop Prof. Dr. Karlheinz Diez described the dramatic situation of the people in war-torn Ukraine, reports the diocese of Fulda.
More than four years after the start of Russia's war of aggression, Ukrainians are currently battling the harshest winter in a long time. The temperatures fell to minus 30 degrees, reported Bishop Hryhorak. Donated generators, including those from the diocese of Fulda, would have helped to alleviate the situation at least somewhat.
Ukrainian bishop gives insight into the emergency in Fulda
“Everyone here in the country is burdened by the consequences of the war, many are traumatized,” said the bishop from western Ukraine. Around five million people fled the attacks to western Ukraine. 90 percent of Russian attacks were directed against civilian infrastructure, Hryhorak reported. It was never believed that such a major war was possible, which began in 2014 with the annexation of Crimea. On February 28th, those affected reported their experiences at a peace service in Fulda Cathedral.
The demands on pastoral care have increased significantly as a result of the war. Auxiliary Bishop Diez and his Ukrainian guest therefore also spoke about the joint efforts of Orthodox, Ukrainian Greek Catholic and Roman Catholic clergy to address people's worries and needs through faith.
The Fulda auxiliary bishop, who is also episcopal vicar for the universal church, assured Bishop Demetrius of further support and solidarity. The diocese of Fulda has been committed to the people of Ukraine for years. Even before the full-scale attack, an ambulance for Buchach had been financed and transported to western Ukraine with the help of the Maltese relief service.
The support from the diocese of Fulda is provided in close coordination with the Eastern European aid organization Renovabis and via the Ukrainian communities. “In 2025 alone, the diocese of Fulda was able to support projects through Renovabis with over 100,000 euros,” explained Steffen Jahn, head of the World Church Department at the Episcopal Vicariate General of Fulda.
Diocese of Fulda and associations send help to Ukraine
In addition to the diocese, the Caritas Association is involved in the diocese of Fulda together with the partner Caritas in Ivano-Frankivsk in western Ukraine, Caritas International and the Malteser through their foreign service and the Malteser relief service in Kassel. The Kolping Society also plays an important role in support.
Just a few days ago, another Maltese transport set off from Petersberg to western Ukraine. In addition to clothing and medical supplies, this time there were also church benches that are intended to provide people with mental and religious support. It was donated by the Catholic parish of St. Franziskus in Bebra, and the transport was financed by the company Uth GmbH from Fulda.
Cash donations also help: earmarked donations are possible under the keyword “Ukraine War Emergency Aid” to the Caritas Association donation account for the Diocese of Fulda at Sparkasse Fulda (IBAN DE64 5305 0180 0000 0002 20). You can also donate online. The fundraising goal is also “Ukraine War Emergency Aid”.
