Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, the Reformed Church in Transcarpathia has continued its ministry under extraordinarily difficult circumstances, sustained by the unwavering solidarity of its international partners. During a visit from 7–9 July, delegates from partner churches and organisations gained first-hand insight into the church's ministries while continuing a long-standing dialogue on the needs and future of the Reformed Church in Transcarpathia (Ukraine).
Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine in 2022, the Reformed Church in Transcarpathia has faced immense challenges in serving its congregations and local communities. Throughout these difficult years, a wide circle of international partner churches and supporting organisations has provided generous financial assistance, humanitarian aid, and faithful prayer support. The Reformed Church in Transcarpathia, together with the Reformed Church in Hungary, is deeply grateful for this steadfast solidarity and for the commitment of partners who have stood alongside them from the very beginning.
From 7 to 9 July, the Reformed Church in Transcarpathia welcomed delegates from its international partner churches and supporting organisations from Germany, Ireland, and Scotland for a solidarity visit. During their stay, the guests had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the church's life and ministry by visiting several of its ongoing projects and institutions.
One of the first stops was among the most meaningful and demanding areas of the church's diaconal work: caring for children and young adults with disabilities. The guests visited the Nefelejcs Day Care Centre in Mezővári (Вари) and the Élim Centre in Hetyen (Гетен), where children and young people receive daytime care, education, therapeutic support, and opportunities for personal development. The partners also joined the young adults during one of their kitchen activities, sharing joyful moments together.
The programme also included visits to the bakery of the Diaconal Centre, the church-run Senior Home, and the Crisis Centre for mothers raising their children alone. In addition, the delegation learned about the Home Care programme, which provides professional care and support for elderly people who have no family members to assist them and are no longer able to live independently.
As a continuation of a tradition established several years ago with the support of HEKS and the Reformed Church in Hungary, the visit also included a round table discussion on the current situation in Transcarpathia. The purpose of this long-standing forum is to help international partners gain a closer understanding of the realities faced by the community in Transcarpathia and to provide a space for joint reflection on how emerging needs can best be addressed together. Participants discussed the daily challenges affecting pastors, congregations, diaconal ministries, and church institutions, while also exploring future opportunities for cooperation and support.
The Reformed Church in Transcarpathia is deeply grateful for the visit of its partners, for their unwavering support throughout the years of war, and for their continued prayers and commitment to the church and the communities it serves.