Canadian priest awarded medal ‘For Sacrifice and Love for Ukraine’
It was given by the Orthodox Church of Ukraine to the Revd J. Paul Richards
Fr Richards with his medal
Fr Richards with his medal
A CANADIAN priest who has pastoral ties to Kyiv has been awarded a medal “For Sacrifice and Love for Ukraine”. He said the recognition is about “standing beside others in their suffering”.
The award was given by the Orthodox Church of Ukraine to the Revd J. Paul Richards of New Westminster diocese in Canada on Sunday, in recognition of “sustained humanitarian and pastoral support during the ongoing war”.
Fr Richards said that his award “reflects the work of many — those on the ground in Ukraine and those supporting them from abroad. In the end, it is about presence —standing beside others in their suffering.”
He has visited Ukraine on several occasions since it was invaded by Russia in February 2022, and has worked with hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and veteran support organisations. He has also presided at Christ Church, Kyiv.
The award was presented to Fr Richards by Fr Mykhailo Ozorovych of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, to reflect “the cooperation between Orthodox and Catholic communities in response to the conflict”.
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