Australia’s Greek Orthodox bishops offer support for Ukrainians in need

In their 13th meeting the Greek Orthodox bishops of Australia have determined to support migrants fleeing the fighting in Ukraine and have included the offer of 30 scholarships for the children of families from Ukraine.

The decision to provide support for Ukrainian migrants was reached on Monday, 28 March, the first day of the Episcopal Assembly of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia which was chaired by Archbishop Makarios of Australia. The bishops said the scholarships and additional support were a matter of priority.

In a communiqué issued on Tuesday, the bishops expressed the sorrow of the Australian Church for events taking place in Ukraine and called on the clergy and the people to pray for an end to the war.

“Beyond our prayers and moral support for our Ukrainian brethren, we are also endeavouring to be practically by their side. For this reason – and among other things – we are offering 30 scholarships to children of Ukrainian immigrants, as a priority, to study in the schools of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia,” they said in the communiqué.

They called on those responsible for events in Ukraine to “assume their responsibilities before God and history.”

The requested Patriarch Cyril of Moscow to mediate to bring an end to the fighting between two Orthodox peoples.

“We ask the God of peace to enlighten those responsible to cease the fire of war and for Ukraine to celebrate the resurrection before the glorious Resurrection of our Christ,” the bishops conclude in their communiqué.

neoskosmos.com