Taking the humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Ukraine to heart, the whole Orthodox community of Vevey and the surrounding area has risen to the task of providing practical and financial support to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the refugees who arrived in the canton of Vaud.
Investments of parishioners in accommodation, food, financial aid, transport, cultural and social integration have made it possible to welcome many refugees from Ukraine, trying to create the best possible conditions for them. The armed conflict that began in the Donbas region in 2014 has grown into a full-fledged war covering the entire Ukrainian territory and causing a much significant influx of refugees in recent weeks. Besides, all these people are invited to the services in Vevey and the Agapes (meals shared between parishioners). The different ways of supporting refugees were also the subject of a presentation to the community members.
It should be noted that the Orthodox parish of Lausanne-Vevey has always served as a meeting point for all Orthodox Christians present in the region. Although its community consists mainly of Swiss citizens, who currently represent 80% of all parishioners. As multicultural, it also welcomes inhabitants of the region, originally coming from Eastern Europe (Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, and Georgia) as well as Central Europe (France, Italy, etc.). This diversity testifies to its spirit of openness, while it remains deeply rooted in the cultural life of Vevey.
Fundraising coordinated by the European Diocese
In addition to the initiatives implemented at the regional level, we contributed to a centralized solidarity action by the Diocese of Great Britain and Western Europe of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, of which the Vevey parish is a part. Within this campaign, our parishioners have already raised more than CHF 21,000 in donations to help the Ukrainian orthodox church respond to the humanitarian crisis.
Touched by the support of the Western Orthodox community, Metropolitan Onuphry, Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, expressed his gratitude in the letter dated April 8, 2022, to Bishop Irenei of London and Western Europe. “From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for the financial assistance that you and the faithful of the Diocese of Great Britain and Western Europe have provided to our Ukrainian people, who are currently going through difficult times due to the terrible war. This support is the expression of humanity, compassion, Christian love, and true friendship (…)”. The full text of Metropolitan Onuphry’s letter in its original language can be read below.
The Diocese continues to make considerable efforts to actively help those suffering in Ukraine, as well as refugees fleeing from the conflict zone and seeking asylum all over Europe. Those who wish can still donate online within their means. The money raised is transferred directly to the Humanitarian Aid Fund of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
