Help for the Training of Seminarians in Ukraine 

The Ukrainian Greek-Catholic seminary in the archeparchy of Ternopil-Zboriv has been open since 1993. It is named for Cardinal Josyf Slipyj, the great hero and Confessor of the Church, who spent 18 years in Soviet prison camps.  

Today, there are 138 men preparing for the priesthood in the seminary. They include men from seven different dioceses, or eparchies, and some of them belong to the Studite Order. In addition to their studies, the seminarians are involved in the parishes – above all with children, in youth work and in catechesis. During the pandemic, for example, they set up online catechetical sessions, which have also been useful during the war. And in the holidays, they help to run summer camps for children and young people, called “Holidays with God.”

Since the war began, they have also had other tasks. The seminarians make aid packages for the needy, transport and distribute humanitarian aid, and provide support for the sick and elderly, as well as for refugees.

The seminary is located in West Ukraine, so by and large, it is not directly affected by the war. However, sharp increases in price – especially for food, energy, and fuel – have made operations hard. And the faithful do not have enough for their own needs, so they are not able to help with the needs of the Church, too. It is true that the seminarians put some money toward their formation, and the seminary also owns a garden and a small farm, so it can at least provide some of its own food. But this is not enough to cover the costs of running the seminary. Therefore, we are offering to help with a contribution of $119,849.

Code: 438-02-79