TOMS RIVER, NJ – As the army of Vladimir Putin and Russia continue their vicious and unprovoked assault on the independent nation of Ukraine, Americans across the nation are rallying to their aid.
But that aid means more to the members of Toms River’s St. Stephen’s Ukrainian Catholic Church. The church is one of about a dozen Ukrainian churches across New Jersey and now, they are accepting donations to send to their brothers and sisters back home in Ukraine.
The church which gives its prayer services in both English and Ukrainian is seeking donations through the Archeparchy of Philadelphia via PayPal.
“On Thursday morning, February 23, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered Russia’s military to invade Ukraine. The attack began with a launch of ballistic and conventional missiles, followed by ground and coastal operations. Soldiers of the Ukrainian army showed wisdom and excellent preparation for meeting the enemy. Unfortunately, we hear about a lot of damage to buildings, wounded and killed people. We know and believe that the war will end soon, but it will take a lot of effort and resources to restore everything,” the Archeparchy said in its fundraising statement.
Reverend Volodymyr Popyk and his wife Natalia began serving the greater Toms River Ukrainian community back in 2016 and services between 150 to 200 parishioners.
St. Stephen’s Ukrainian Catholic Church is located at 1334 White Oak Bottom Road in Toms River. Liturgies are celebrated on Saturdays at 5 p.m., and on Sundays at 9 a.m. (English) and 10:30 a.m. You can email Rev. Popyk here: rev.volodymyr@gmail.com. Supplies can be dropped off at the rear of the church at any time and will be packed and shipped by volunteers in the coming days ahead.