SW News: The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church is making its presence felt in a stronger way in the city of Berdichev in Ukraine, which is 140km southwest of the capital Kyiv. The sui iuris Catholic Church has opened a new facility to take care of children who are suffering from the Russian onslaught.

The Josaphat Spiritual and Social Center was blessed by Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk and Auxiliary Bishops Yosyf Milian and Andriy Khimyak. It was constructed with the help of Caritas Ukraine and the Kiev Archeparchy of the Greek Catholic Church.

Children affected by the war will be given psychological assistance, treatment for physical injuries and avenues for recreation at the new Josaphat Spiritual and Social Center. "Our Caritas exposes the maternal face of our Church, particularly here in Berdichev. It is also a space for international ecumenical solidarity. Because the Church is a community that knows no borders. As the body of our Risen Savior, the Church is a space for exchange of thanks,” said the major archbishop, who heads the Greek Catholic Church in Ukraine.

He said the project for taking care of children wounded in the war is special because of the greater vulnerability of the little ones. "Children are our future, the future of Ukraine. Healing the wounds of children of war is a special and noble mission," said the top prelate. "Thank you to all who will laugh and cry with the children, who will listen to them every day. You will help parents raise children who carry war traumas in their souls. We will heal their wounds together."

The city of Berdichev has great significance from a cultural and interreligious point of view. At the time of the communist revolution in Russia, the city had a population of 50,000 people out of which 65 percent were Jews, 15 Orthodox and Greek Ukrainians, 10 percent Russian Orthodox believers and 7 percent Poles belonging to the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church. The city is also the birthplace of famous Polish writer Joseph Conrad and Russian author and journalist Vasily Grossman.