Pavel VYSHKOVSKY, OMI

Residents of Kyiv have united in a gesture of charity and solidarity by donating blood for the first time in a church located in the Capital City. 

On March 19, the DonorUA visiting team, in response to an invitation from the Roman Catholic parish of St. Nicholas, established a temporary blood donation center in the basement of the 115-year-old church. Fr. Pavel VYSHKOVSKY OMI, rector of the parish, emphasized the critical need for blood donations during the Lenten season to help those affected by the war, especially the military.

The symbolic significance of the act was highlighted by Fr. Vyshkovsky, who drew parallels between the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who shed his blood for humanity, and the current efforts to support soldiers fighting on the front lines. He and many others, including the famous singer Anna Dobridneva, donated blood to help the military. Dobridneva, known for her charity concerts for the military, stressed the importance of giving back to those who risk their lives.

The project manager for DonorUA, Maria Vereitina, pointed out the historical significance of the event, which marked the first time a blood donation drive had been held in a church in Kyiv. Approximately 100 individuals volunteered to donate blood, with 54 donors successfully donating more than 24 liters of blood. According to Vereitina, this generous gesture has the potential to save up to 162 lives, and she hopes that this occasion will begin a long-standing tradition of church-sponsored blood drives.

The Church of St. Nicholas not only provided a venue for this act of generosity but also stands as a monument awaiting the return of its building to the Roman Catholic community. Despite a large-scale fire two years ago and a 32-year wait, the Ukrainian government, represented by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, has recently agreed to transfer the church back to the religious community by May 1, 2024. This follows a public appeal and shows how resilient and united the community is in times of trouble.

As Kyiv’s citizens demonstrate their solidarity with the military through this unique initiative, the Church of St. Nicholas continues to serve as a beacon of hope and charity, bridging faith and action in the heart of Ukraine.