Humanitarian Aid from Saint Sophia Society in Rome

On June 30, 2022, the Voluntary Centre of I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University received a humanitarian consignment from Saint Sophia Society and parishioners of Saint Sophia Cathedral in Rome (Italy). The initiator of the aid to Ukraine during the war is the abbot of the church and the head of the organization, Father Marko Semehen, who is a graduate of Major Archbishop Josyf Slipyi Ternopil Higher Theological Seminary. Later, he continued his studies at the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome. The priest comes from the city of Berezhany.

The supporters donated 350 kg of medicines and 250 kg of medical supplies to TNMU. Logistics was provided by the representatives of Major Archbishop Josyf Slipyi Ternopil Higher Theological Seminary.

Father Ihor Drapak, who is a priest of the UGCC and a chaplain of I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, said that Saint Sophia Society has long-standing charitable traditions, as it was founded by Major Archbishop Yosyf Slipyi after his return from exile in Siberia. And today it is active and continues to help people in various situations. Ihor Drapak added that from the first days of the war, the parishioners of Saint Sophia Cathedral in Rome, together with the caring citizens of Italy, united their efforts for the victory of Ukraine.

“In total, more than 100 trucks of humanitarian aid arrived in various cities of our country. The seminary has a logistics point for receiving and redirecting what comes from abroad. We maintain close contact with priests who have graduated from our seminary and carry out their spiritual mission in Italy, Germany or other countries. They are active volunteers in the cities performing their duties and direct humanitarian cargo to us. We sort everything and send it as needed. Today, we are handing over medicines and medical supplies to the TNMU Volunteer Centre, as cooperation has been established here with military units directly on the front line. That is why we know that all the help will clearly go to the relevant units of our defenders,” Ihor Drapak said.

TNMU Press Secretary, Yanina Chaikivska.

Photographs by Mykola Vasylechko.