Refugees Seek Shelter at a Church As Air Sirens Ring through Ternopil

February 27 2022 – TERNOPIL, Ukraine: The UN estimates at least 380,000 people are fleeing across Ukraine to countries such as Poland, Moldova, the western Ukrainian city of Lviv, and other surrounding “safe areas”. Many large crowds of refugees have stopped in city Ternopil on their voyage westward.

Ternopil is a city in western Ukraine with a population of estimated 225,238 people. Refugees who travel, in some cases for days, are stopping in Ternopil,

Local organizations and churches provide shelter and assistance with donations to those fleeing the dangers of the war. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is one of the churches providing such assistance.

Catacombs converted into a bomb shelter with food and drinks. This area that once housed the dead is the key to sustaining life for many.

Early Sunday afternoon’s church service continued with air-raid sirens blaring across the city. A constant signaling for the possibility of an incoming air attack.

Father Roman Demush also established a volunteer headquarters where they not only help the refugees but also assist local brigade soldiers, by providing them some necessities and food.