During an archpastoral visit to the parish of St. Panteleimon in Brooklyn, NY, Archbishop Daniel, President of the Consistory of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, announced a $10,000 donation to the Protez Foundation. The contribution was made on behalf of the clergy and faithful of the Church with the blessing of Metropolitan Antony.
This was reported by Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA.
The donation was presented as part of the parish’s patronal feast day celebration, with the participation of clergy, parishioners, and wounded Ukrainian soldiers who are undergoing treatment thanks to the support of the Protez Foundation.
Earlier, Archbishop Daniel became acquainted with the Foundation’s work during a visit to the Saints Peter and Paul parish in Palos Park, Illinois. At that time, representatives of the organization and wounded soldiers were awarded church honors. The Archbishop emphasized the importance of supporting a mission that not only provides prosthetics but also helps people return to full lives.
During the liturgy in Brooklyn, Ukrainian soldiers now walking with prosthetics received special church awards — decorations in the form of the Tryzub with the emblem of the UOC of the USA. The presentation of these awards symbolized sacrifice, dignity, and the Church’s support. In turn, Protez Foundation representatives presented the Archbishop with a commemorative coin in gratitude for the partnership.
This contribution is just part of the systematic humanitarian aid provided by the UOC of the USA. The Church regularly sends shipments of medical supplies, food, hygiene products, and essential goods to Ukraine. The aid reaches communities not covered by international support programs and is distributed through priests of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, volunteers, and partner organizations.
Background
The Protez Foundation was established in the U.S. in 2022 in response to the full-scale invasion. It provides free prosthetics to Ukrainians who have lost limbs — including soldiers, children, and civilians. The Foundation covers treatment, housing, travel, translation, and psychological support. Its patients are treated, among other places, at the Prosthetic & Orthotic Associates (POA) clinic in Orlando, Florida. Hundreds of people have already regained the ability to walk, run, and conquer new heights. The Foundation’s slogan is “We restore lives step by step.”
Author: Danylo Pievchev