Always love seeing the happy children at the Single Mothers Home, also known as, the House of Hope, in Korotich Ukraine.  Despite nearby shelling, these kids know how to share their happiness.

Our Ukrainian visitors have arrived! Fox 21 News in Colorado Springs did a great news segment on their first day here. This is a great clip to read and watch the news segment too (in the upper right corner).

https://www.fox21news.com/news/ukrainian-church-leaders-share-war-documentary/

We are sponsoring a special visit for three amazing spiritual leaders serving on the frontlines in Ukraine.  The visit to Colorado will occur August 23 – September 5.  Our guests are Bishop Vitaly Skomarovskyi, Bishop of Lutsk; Father Oleksandr Zelinskyi, Director of EWTN-Ukraine; and Sister Kamila Frydryszewska, Co-Director of the House of Hope for Single Mothers and Children.  Their visit is the highlight of CONU’s Restoring Identity, Self-Respect and Esteem in the Ukrainian People, RISE UP, Campaign.  The goal is to raise awareness of the unimaginable hardships and atrocities experienced by the Ukrainian people during this unjust war.  Bishop Golka, Diocese of Colorado Springs, is encouraging Colorado leaders to sponsor events to assist with spreading their word.  Below are two events Bishop Golka is hosting. Please look for announcements for events in local parishes, here on this website, and on Facebook.

Below are brief introductions to these disciples.  We hope you will come listen to their messages as they describe God’s work.

In 1994, then Father, now Bishop Vitaly Skomarovskyi, was the pastor of Our Lady of the Annunciation in Sumy.  He was visiting Holy Apostles Parish in Colorado Springs and asked Father Paul Wicker, fellow Co-Founder of CONU, if Holy Apostles would consider becoming a sister parish.  He saw this request as a call from God. Their shared calling and mission drive resulted in forming CONU.  In the early years, focus was on rebuilding churches, equipping orphanages; forming a medical team of pediatricians, and helping nuns working with single homeless pregnant women.  As bishop, his drive as shepherd has grown commensurate with his bigger flock.

Father Oleskandr Zelinski is the Director General for ETWN-Ukraine.  He is overseeing a documentary film about the impacts of the war. CONU is sponsoring the production.  He’s God’s messenger. Here are some interviews with this disciple:

https://youtu.be/9-mI2L0is44
https://youtu.be/h8GM9pe13O0
https://youtu.be/vc2r93QE2Jk

His message is to rely on your faith during this most difficult time.  He shared that “We broadcast Masses and prayers from our chapel, and we know that people need it now.” “We ask for prayer and support from all of you. We need it during this dramatic situation.”
Sister Kamila Frydryszewska is the co-director of The Single Mothers’ Home.  They have provided love and support for pregnant and unwed mothers for decades. Sister Kamila has served for 10 years in Ukraine.  She is part of a dynamic team that operates facilities which typically house around 20 single mothers and 30-40 children. CONU is proudly a major and steadfast contributor to their operating costs. It’s sad to say but many of the children would likely have been aborted or abandoned were it not for this place of refuge.  Most mothers were formerly homeless, many from orphanages themselves.