SW News: The Russia-Ukraine war has resulted in thousands of deaths, the destruction of large portions of Ukraine, and a continuing refugee crisis as people escape war-torn regions in eastern and southern Ukraine.

To ease this problem, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Greensburg in western Pennsylvania is covering a small number of Ukrainian refugees' travel costs so they can visit Westmoreland County in the state on July 30 and 31 and possibly settle there permanently.

Bishop Larry Kulick of Greensburg and Archbishop Borys Gudziak of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia are in charge of the endeavor. Representatives of the county's Economic Growth Connection and General Carbide Corporation will lead a three-hour tour of Westmoreland County following prayer and dinner at the diocese's Christ Our Shepherd Centre.

The Ukrainian tourists will get information on jobs in the area from business and community leaders, as well as get a feel for daily living there. Ten families that left Ukraine after the Russian invasion of their country on February 24, 2022, and are currently residing in the greater Philadelphia region have thus far indicated an interest in moving.

The archbishop said the war has broken up many families and there is much disruption or deep trauma in the families. The prelate said it is estimated that 80% of the Ukrainian population has someone in their circle of family and friends who has been a casualty of war. So, the transfer of refugees is not only difficult as a physical process but there are deep psychological wounds and spiritual challenges all the refugees are facing.

Meanwhile, a bishop from western Ukraine has provided a heartbreaking story of his desperate efforts to assist 400,000 war-torn people who have streamed into his area. More than 400,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) have relocated to the province of Zakarpattia, which has a population of one million, from other regions of the country, particularly those on the front lines of the conflict.
IDPs have been sheltered in nearly half of the Roman Catholic families in the area, according to Bishop Mykola Petro Luchok, who spoke to the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). He said that structures in the Diocese of Mukachevo had been converted into housing.

The diocese additionally supports neighborhood agencies that offer trauma treatment to war survivors, including troops who have returned from combat.
The diocese also supports regional agencies that offer trauma therapy to war survivors, including troops returning from the front lines and the families of those killed in action. To keep residents warm during the region's power outage last winter due to airstrikes on thermal and hydroelectric power plants, ACN also supplied generators and battery energy storage devices.

The diocese has planned events for displaced families to strengthen and renew their spirit and summer camps with creative activities for displaced children because families with children make up a large portion of people seeking refuge in the area.