CNEWA Canada Marks Fourth Anniversary of Full-Scale War in Ukraine With New National Appeal

Ottawa, February 24, 2026 – On the fourth anniversary of the full-scale war in Ukraine, the Catholic Near-East Welfare Association (CNEWA Canada) calls on Canadians to renew their support for urgent humanitarian and pastoral programs assisting families and communities in Ukraine that still face the daily realities of the conflict. Since February 2022, CNEWA, working with church partners on the ground, has provided approximately $10.4 million in aid to Ukraine.

This assistance has helped fund emergency shelter, food boxes, hygiene kits, winterization and rebuilding efforts, childcare services, medical and psychological support, pastoral care and the ongoing formation of priests and church workers serving communities that have been most impacted. Projects have also supported people displaced within Ukraine and strengthened the local church’s ability to respond to urgent needs.

“Ukrainians do not have the luxury of waiting for the war to end before they begin to heal,” said Anastasiia Hryniuk, CNEWA program coordinator for Ukraine. “Attempting to rebuild daily life in the midst of ongoing violence and uncertainty is extraordinarily difficult, which is why sustained psychological, spiritual and community support is so essential. This care and support is something that CNEWA holds dear and has been at the forefront of our mission through the church, providing urgent and long-lasting care.”

CNEWA Canada assists people of all backgrounds, working with and through local church networks to reach those most in need, regardless of faith. Partners include parishes, small religious communities and organizations such as the Patriarchal Foundation Mudra Sprava, Caritas Ukraine and the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate.

“Four years into this devastating war, the suffering in Ukraine has not eased,” said Adriana Bara, national director of CNEWA Canada. “Families are rebuilding amid ruins, coping with cold winters, strained hospitals and the invisible wounds of trauma. Canadians have walked with them every step of the way, and we ask them to remain at their side as communities struggle to recover with resilience and faith.”

As part of the campaign, CNEWA Canada will host a national webinar February 25, featuring Rev. Dr. Roman Ostrovskyy, rector of Three Holy Hierarch Seminary in Kyiv. He will share firsthand insights into how the church continues forming leaders and serving the faithful amid war, alongside project updates from Ukraine and a live question-and-answer session. The full broadcast will be available shortly after on CNEWA’s website.

CNEWA Canada encourages individuals, parishes and community groups to support the appeal through donations, prayer and participation in upcoming events throughout Lent.

About CNEWA Canada                       

An agency of the Holy See, CNEWA works for, through and with Eastern churches throughout the Middle East, Northeast Africa, India and Eastern Europe, providing pastoral and humanitarian support. Founded by Pope Pius XI in 1926, CNEWA was incorporated in Canada in 2005. For more information, visit cnewa.ca.