Even in Ukraine, the evening of February 23rd, 2022, felt like any other. Students like Oleksandr and Valentyn were thinking about their homework, their families, and their career plans. They weren’t thinking about war. 

“The war caught us all by surprise,” says Oleksandr, now twenty years old. “No one expected when falling asleep after a busy day on Wednesday February 23, that next morning will turn into a nightmare.”

Ukrainians have spent the last two years teaching themselves how to carry on through this nightmare. Despite the hardships, life had to go on. They knew they could lean on each other, and they knew they could lean on Chalice sponsors and donors, even when tragedy strikes. 

Both Oleksandr and Valentyn had to fill their fathers’ boots when both were deployed to the front lines. 

“I grew up quickly, becoming a support for my mother and my younger brother,” says Valentyn, 17. Oleksandr became his household’s handyman, learning to fix faucets and sockets, with a little help from Youtube. While he was proud of his self-taught home improvements, “I wish I could learn all this from my dad.” 

Schools have stayed open since the outset, although many switched to online learning. When their school days are punctuated by air raid sirens, Oleksandr says, “we hide in a shelter and hope for the best.” 

But, if anything, the war has made Oleksandr more resolute about completing his degree. He feels morally obligated to persevere, knowing that the troops, including his father, "are defending us and giving us that invaluable possibility to keep receiving our education.” 

Both Oleksandr and Valentyn have Chalice sponsors through the Ternopil site, and they have also received relief funds through our Ukraine Regional Assistance program. 

“Our family is truly grateful for the support we have received from Chalice all these years, and in particular during the time of the war,” Valentyn says.  “It is a lifesaver in difficult times. We have got foods, clothes, medicine, and other essentials.” 

"Chalice has provided a huge support to us,” Oleksandr says. “On top of the financial and moral support... the [Ternopil] site seems to instill that almighty faith. Our dear sponsors support our family as if we are their extended family.” 

Oleksandr bought a laptop, which he urgently needed for his social work degree program. And his family was thrilled to have a little extra to “send some treats or warm clothes to our father." 

Valentyn and his family, sadly, are not able to send a care package to his father, Teofil. He was killed amid shelling in Bakhmut in December 2022.  

“We miss him so much," Valentyn says. “His spirit remains with us, and we will always love him. His memory will always live in our hearts.” 

It is that love – of the families, the site, the communities, and their Chalice family - that sustains them through sorrows and anxiety.  

"Our family is like a flower in the field that follows the breath of the wind,” says Oleksandr. “And no matter how strong the wind is, all the petals hold fast to the flower.” 

From Chalice, we thank you for your continued prayers and financial support after two years of war in Ukraine. May we continue to entrust each child, family, and troop, to Our Lady, Queen of Peace.