Ukraine

Our Work in Ukraine

The Society of Jesus in Ukraine is part of the Southern Poland Province and is present in Lviv, Kiev, Khmelnytsky and Chernivtsi. With 12 Jesuits in the country, the Society runs two residences, two parishes, a retreat house, and a house for refugees.

JRS activities have been reactivated to support the recent influx of people fleeing across Ukraine. The Jesuit Refugee Service in Ukraine continues to assist those most affected by the conflict and welcomes displaced people as they look for a safe place to rest after days of travelling in dangerous conditions.

JRS provides beds, food, and access to laundry and bathrooms for all, and we assist with clothing and medicine for those in need. We also accompany them with psychological and pastoral support.

JRS has been present in Lviv since 2005. In 2008, it opened the safe house to welcome refugees arriving from Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Palestine, Afghanistan and other countries. Since December 2014, displaced people from the Crimean peninsula and from the regions of Donetsk and Lugansk began to arrive. All the people who sought shelter in Lviv were provided with accommodation, food, legal and spiritual-psychological assistance.

JRS in Lviv began preparing for the onset of further hostilities from Russia as early as December 2021 by storing food and basic medical supplies and getting alternative sources of heating and electricity. Support then started arriving from all across JRS and the Society of Jesus and we can effectively respond to the needs of the current situation.

See Our Work

Ukrainian refugees participating in one of the stress-relief activities provided by JRS and partners. The dance instructor, Dorian, is himself a refugee from Cameroon who set up the class to help newcomers relax and socialise.
JRS staff and volunteers welcoming Ukrainian refugees in Romania.
Ukranian refugees arrive in Romania fleeing violence in their country. They are welcomed by JRS staff and volunteers who give out first necessities.
Two women and a child sitting at a table. One woman is helping the child write, and the other woman has her back facing the camera.
Children hosted at the hotel are engaged in learning activities and online classes. The teachers are from Ukraine too, and they just arrived in the country. (JRS / Entreculturas)

Contact

JRS Ukraine Director:

Fr. Oleksii Bredeliev, SJ