Our greatest strength is unity.
This unity transcends the narrow boundaries of time and space!
Patriarch Josyf Slipyj (1892-1984) is a significant figure in the history of the Ukrainian people, especially as a spiritual leader, cultural activist and fighter for the rights of Ukrainians. Josyf Slipyj became the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in late 1944, and in April 1945 he was arrested by the Soviets. He was imprisoned in Gulags including in Siberia and was only released in 1963 after intervention from President John Kennedy and Pope John.
He focused his efforts on uniting Ukrainians scattered around the world, visiting many countries supporting Ukrainian exiles. In Rome, he founded the Ukrainian Catholic University and built St Sophia's Cathedral in Rome.
The role played by the church in the past 25 years has meant that it is now a trusted institution fighting on behalf of Ukrainian people. In the past religion was outside the State, but the Church has demonstrated its effectiveness in social outreach and support for people suffering from the years of war.
One of the most difficult roles supporting the Ukrainian Armed Forces is that of chaplains who carry out the church’s social teaching in the most practical way. They support soldiers across the spectrum of war experiences and hardships. They also display humanity, respect for life and human dignity.
The chaplains are a key part of the work of the Josyp Slipyj Foundation, which was established in 2023 by his great-niece Mariana Dvulit, a well-known doctor and volunteer. In 2024, others joined the development of the common platform and became co-founders. They are also supported by an advisory board.
The Mission of the Foundation is to promote the example given by Josef Slipyj towards mental, spiritual and physical rebuilding.
Sofiany
Active listening
One of the most important projects team of Foundation is developing is the Listening Project. This involves many volunteers, learning the skills of listening, without judgement and helping Ukrainians to start the healing process. In addition the project has the full support of professionals including psychiatrists, psychologists, chaplains and other support workers. In the past this work was done solely by the State, but we know the need is so great that we have to build up teams, train them and then do outreach to all parts of Ukraine.
In February 2025 training is taking place with volunteers from the Samaritans NGO in UK. They are incredibly successful in offering services to those people who are struggling to cope. The key to their training is based on basic principles: listening, confidentiality, tolerance and non-judgement, empathy and non-expertise. Ukrainian Instructors will learn these techniques so that they in turn can train volunteers and professionals in Ukraine.
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OUR ADVISORY BOARD
Natalia Pogozheva, Head of the Board, co-founder
Phil Malone, Communication Advisor
Oxana Gryschenko, co-founder
Yriy Andrusenko, International Affairs Advisor
Olena Sek, co-founder
Maryana Dvylit, CEO, co-founder