Two hierarchs agree to serve as spiritual advisors to foundation (07/19/98)

Two hierarchs agree to serve as spiritual advisors to foundation

GLEN ROCK, N.J. - Archbishop Antony of the Eastern Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and Bishop Michael Wiwchar CSsR, pastor of the Chicago-based St. Nicholas Eparchy of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, have shown their support for the efforts of Ukrainian Gift of Life Inc. by agreeing to become spiritual advisors to the organization.

George Kuzma, president of the non-profit foundation that is dedicated to providing the opportunity for life-saving heart surgery for children in Ukraine, made the announcment.

Bishop Wiwchar, the national spiritual director for promotion of prayer for canonization of Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky, is currently a member of the Aid to Eastern Europe Committee of the National Council of Catholic Bishops.

Archbishop Antony, who has supported the development and stabilization of the newly reborn Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Ukraine, has spiritual and material oversight over the 45 parishes that comprise the Eastern Eparchy.

Archbishop Antony and Bishop Michael bring with them the ability for the Ukrainian Gift of Life foundation to continue to successfully meet its program goals of identifying children in Ukraine with congenital heart disease for potential life-saving surgery in the United States. Through fund-raising and a network of volunteers, it provides air transportation for mother and child, as well as translation services at key times in the medical process.

The program works closely with other philanthropic organizations, such as Rotary International's Northern New Jersey District, which arranges for host families and the operation itself.

To date, 16 children ranging in age from 15 months to 13 have come to America for surgery at Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx.

The expanding role of Ukrainian Gift of Life Inc. includes funding the printing of a diagnostic textbook to be distributed to doctors in the 25 regional hospitals throughout Ukraine and supporting other technological advancements so that these surgeries can eventually be done in Ukraine.

During the past year it has become increasingly evident to the trustees of the organization that the healing process includes responding to the spiritual needs of the child and mother. To meet that need, arrangements are made to ensure worship in the Ukrainian language and to encourage hospital visitations from Ukrainian priests and deacons.

Both Bishop Wiwchar and Archbishop Antony have expressed desire to take an active part in the direction of the organization. Welcoming their participation Mr. Kuzma said, "These two vibrant spiritual leaders of our Ukrainian Churches add the vision and support necessary to more fully serve the needs of our Ukrainian children."

Tax-deductible contributions may be sent to: Ukrainian Gift of Life Inc., Suite 333, 233 Rock Road, Glen Rock, NJ 07451.