Adventist Church in Kyiv Provides Aid to the Kyiv Community

"Ukrainian evening parties," a program aimed at providing emotional and psychological assistance to Kyiv residents and internally displaced persons (IDPs), was held on June 18, 2023, at the International Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kyiv.

The program's hosts, Olga Vashchina and Iryna Isakova, psychologists from the Adventist Relief and Development Agency (ADRA) Ukraine, created a particularly warm, friendly atmosphere, which was facilitated by the community's hospitality and the guests' sincere interest and involvement.

In addition to interesting creative tasks and socializing at the tables with hospitality, the event focused on external and internal resources that help overcome the difficult circumstances of conflict and show how to replenish these resources and cope with negative emotions and feelings.

An important element of the event was art therapy, which allowed the guests to better understand their feelings, express their pain and experiences, and reflect their dreams and hopes.

Commenting on her creative work done during this part of the event, one of the participants noted that among all the trials of today, God is in her life. Although she does not know what the future holds, she believes everything is in God's hands and He will not leave her.

The event featured favorite Ukrainian songs, which were sung by everyone. Hnat Meryenkov delighted the guests with his virtuoso flute playing.

The International Church also treated its guests to delicious varenyky (Ukrainian dumplings) with various fillings, a favorite traditional dish prepared by the community's hostesses.

The thematic decoration of the hall, the exquisite national clothes of the attendees (e.g., embroidered shirts), the combination of music, songs, food, and topics discussed at the meeting made the evening truly authentic, Ukrainian, and folk.

After the program was over, the visitors were in no hurry to leave the pleasant, friendly company; they sincerely thanked the hosts and organizers for the holiday they had been given. And the best reward for the team was the joyful smiles, shining eyes, and warm words of gratitude from the guests.

The original version of this story was posted on the Ukrainian Union Conference Ukrainian-language news site.