NEWS AND VIEWS: Let it not be too late (10/03/99)

NEWS AND VIEWS

Let it not be too late

by Deacon Yourij Malachowsky

Within the past few weeks, our community in New York has suffered the loss of two young people, a woman age 32 and a man age 36.

Could these tragedies have been avoided? It is difficult to answer with assurance, but there are avenues to which they could have turned for help.

In 1984, with the blessing of Bishop Basil Losten, the Apostolate of Pastoral Care of the Sick was created for those in need of pastoral counseling when experiencing critical, personal crises. One can call (718) 539-1848 for help with various problems.

Certainly, one can also turn to his or her doctor, to clinics, hospitals or parish clergy for consultation. However, there are times when a person in need finds it difficult to make a decision on his or her own, and feels the need to seek the help of someone who will listen to them patiently, without criticism or judgement, to share the torment they are experiencing, spiritually and/or physically. The Apostolate offers such help.

Many newcomers from Ukraine, overburdened with sundry problems, feeling hopeless and in despair, bring their cry for help to the Apostolate for Pastoral Care of the Sick, directed by a servant who is only an instrument in God's hands. Through God's grace and love, problems often are solved. Very often, a person in need looks for professional help. The Self Reliance Association, located at Second Avenue and Sixth Street, provides volunteer services and referrals for those with social problems.

A few years ago, a Christian Journal printed a shocking and moving chronicle of two orphans, a brother and sister, left to live alone, abandoned by those around them. Isolated and psychologically destroyed, they entered into an incestuous relationship. But the merciful God saved them! Pastoral help came to these hopeless orphans: someone who was willing to listen to the torment of their lives, of their bodies and their souls. Patience, love and a gentle approach toward the understanding of their tragedy, plus psychotherapy, helped to move these orphans on to normal and healthy lives.

Such is the power of faith.

"For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so also through Christ does our comfort abound. For whether we are afflicted, it is for your instruction and salvation; or whether we are comforted, it is for your comfort; which shows its efficacy in the endurance of the selfsame sufferings that we also suffer. And our hope for you is steadfast, knowing that as you are partakers of the suffering, so will you be of the comfort." (II. Cor.1, 5-7)

Deacon Yourij Malachowsky directs the Apostolate of Pastoral Care of the Sick in New York City.

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