During Advent 2022, all Australian dioceses were invited to take up a special collection(s) for the people of Ukraine. Hundreds of thousands of dollars was raised to support people in the war-torn nation through the work of Mudra Sprava (Wise Action), a Patriarchal Charitable Foundation in Ukraine. The organisation has three focus areas: Evacuation of people from frontline territories; Food packages for people in need; Shelters for internally displaced persons. Click here to read more about how the funds from Australia supported people in Ukraine.

At the Bishops Conference’s November 2023 meeting, bishops were asked to again consider if an appeal could be taken for the people of Ukraine during Advent. The proposal was made by Bishop Mykola Bychok CSsR, Eparch of Sts Peter and Paul for the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Australia, and Hobart Archbishop Julian Porteous, who visited Ukraine with an Australian delegation in August.

Dioceses, eparchies and parishes could designate a particular Sunday in Advent for a special appeal for Ukraine as a second or third collection, a “leaving” collection or provide another means for parishioners to donate to the Advent Appeal for Ukraine.  Funds will again be directed to Mudra Sprava via the Eparchy of Sts Peter and Paul.