CHICAGO – We are living in extraordinary times, the world is in the midst of a pandemic, and our Ukrainian community is suffering as well. The financial strain affected our Ukrainian parishes during the Easter season, when churches would normally be filled with faithful, coming to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ. Baskets filled with pasky, krashanky and other festive fare would be blessed, and the parish coffers would be replenished with generous donations.
This year none of that was possible. Churches were closed, parishioners remained in their homes, to stay safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Selfreliance Federal Credit Union and the Selfreliance Foundation realized that our Ukrainian churches in Illinois, Michigan and New Jersey needed financial assistance in this critical time, so that they could cover their expenses until they could once more open their doors and welcome parishioners. The Selfreliance Foundation provided funds to meet the needs of our community’s religious institutions in anticipation of their needs, without waiting for them to appeal for assistance.