Solidarity With Ukraine

April 1, 2022

The Knights of Columbus mobilizes to serve refugees and other victims of war

By Columbia staff

April 1, 2022

Refugees from Ukraine enter Poland on foot in the town of Hrebenne, March 5. Since March 1, Knights have welcomed refugees to a Knights of Columbus Mercy Center near the Hrebenne border crossing. (Photo by Tamino Petelinšek)

When Russian forces advanced into Ukraine and began bombing its cities Feb. 24, more than 40 million Ukrainians suddenly found themselves at war against their will. Though Russian troops had been massing along the border for several months, the full-scale invasion was still a shock.

“There were many reports of a possible attack by Russia. But no one fully believed that this was really possible, such a mass attack,” said Ukraine State Deputy Yuriy Maletskiy.

Shock, however, soon gave way to action for Ukrainians, including the nearly 2,000 Knights of Columbus in more than 40 councils throughout the country. Those not engaged in territorial defense have been working to bring relief to besieged cities and aid the millions of people displaced by the war. Meanwhile their brothers in bordering Poland have been busy shipping food, medicine and other essential supplies, as well as welcoming refugees and helping to find them housing.

In this, they are supported by a network of spiritual and material support from Knights around the world.

“You do not face this trial alone. Your brother Knights are already rallying to your side. We will stand with you in prayer and in action,” Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly told Ukrainian members in a video message February 25.

The same day, the Order committed $1 million in immediate aid to Ukrainian relief and launched the Ukraine Solidarity Fund^®, an international fundraising campaign that would match all funds raised up to $500,000. More than tenfold that amount was raised by mid-March, bringing the total contributions to over $6.5 million, with 100% going to assist internally displaced persons and refugees.

The following pages provide a snapshot of the Order’s initial response to this ongoing humanitarian crisis, as well as a brief history of its presence and growth in Ukraine over the last decade.

To contribute to the Knights’ continuing work for those in need, visit kofc.org/ukraine

Archbishop William Lori blesses survivors of human trafficking.

Solidarity With Ukraine

Related Articles

Current Events

Breaking the Chains

Breaking the Chains

Current Events

Hope Blooms in the Desert

Hope Blooms in the Desert

Current Events

Mission of Solidarity and Hope

Mission of Solidarity and Hope

Current Events

Chicago Celebrates Hometown Son, Pope Leo XIV

Chicago Celebrates Hometown Son, Pope Leo XIV

Current Events

Strength in the Face of Persecution

Strength in the Face of Persecution

Current Events

‘Sharing in their Grief’

‘Sharing in their Grief’

Current Events

The Resurrection of Notre-Dame

The Resurrection of Notre-Dame

Current Events

Helicopter Heroes

Helicopter Heroes