Gesture of solidarity with Ukraine: Bishopric of Southern Bessarabia donates mobile hospital to Odesa region

The Bishopric of Southern Bessarabia has donated a mobile hospital to the Odesa region of Ukraine, during an official ceremony held on January 24. The vehicle was handed over to the Regional Administration by His Grace Bishop Veniamin, Bishop of Southern Bessarabia, as a sign of solidarity with the population hit by the war, reports MOLDPRES, with reference to www.basilica.ro.

The event was attended by Claudiu Tataru, Consul General of Romania in Odesa, Romanian MP Alexandrin Moiseev, and Father Mihail Stegarescu, archpriest of Ismail. According to the Bishopric of Southern Bessarabia, the philanthropic action was carried out with the support of Dr. Petre Oprean and the “Lukas” Hospital from Laslea, Sibiu County of Romania.

During the visit, the diocesan delegation made a trip to the Municipal Hospital of Odesa, the oldest medical institution of the city, with a history of over two centuries. Afterwards, His Grace Bishop Veniamin held meetings with representatives of local and regional public administration, during which they discussed the contribution of the Romanian Orthodox Church to supporting Ukrainian refugees, as well as those who remain in areas affected by the conflict.

The solidarity of the Romanian Orthodox Church has taken concrete form through substantial humanitarian aid sent to Ukraine, an effort supported by bishoprics of  the country and in the Diaspora. At the same time, Bishop Veniamin presented the situation of Ukrainians in Romania and the support provided to them by the Romanian state and the Church in preserving their cultural and spiritual identity.

The Consul General of Romania in Odesa, Claudiu Tataru, reaffirmed Romania’s openness and support for Ukraine and its citizens in the context of the war. The two delegations expressed their hope for an end to the conflict and the restoration of peace in the region.