Karol Darmoros
This is a home in Rakulowe, Odesa Oblast, created for elderly people, war refugees. Thanks to the support of the Knights of Columbus, the facility was able to continue its operations.
From occupation to decision
The need for “Arka” became apparent at the very beginning of the invasion. “Many young people and families left, while older people often stayed because they had spent their entire lives in their homes,” explains Bishop Bubnij. After several months of Russian occupation of the frontline areas, when it became possible to reach parishioners, the scale of the tragedy was obvious. “We saw a very critical situation for these elderly people,” reports the Exarch of Odesa.
A home away from the front
Together with Caritas, a decision was made to create a safe place away from the front lines. Rakulowe, in the north of Odesa Oblast, was chosen, where an old school building was found. “We renovated it and adapted it so that people in wheelchairs could also come there,” says the hierarch. The home was opened in 2023. Since then, about 80 people have passed through it, and currently nearly 30 seniors live there.
Community and care
“Arka is not just a place of residence. It is a community where people find care, communication, and support, and the opportunity to feel at home,” emphasizes Bishop Bubnij. Common prayer, a small chapel, and daily conversations play an important role, especially in spring and summer, when residents spend time outdoors, sharing their experiences of war and occupation.
Help from the Knights of Columbus
At the end of 2025, the home was threatened with closure due to lack of funds. “More than 20 people could have been left homeless,” recalls Bishop Bubnij. It was then that he turned to the Knights of Columbus for help. Thanks to their support, the facility was able to continue operating. “I am very grateful to the Knights of Columbus, especially those from Poland, for their solidarity with the Ukrainian nation,” assures the Exarch of Odesa.
According to Father Vasyl Kolodchyn, director of Caritas Odesa UGCC, for the shelter in Rakulowe, the Knights of Columbus are not “external partners,” but a part of their lives. “We gratefully recall the establishment of the center in Balta, we are glad that Father Andriy Syrko joined the brotherhood of the Knights of Columbus, and we observe with particular emotion the work that the Knights do. Frequent visits by the brothers, lively conversations with the elderly, prayer, and concrete help have become a sign for our beneficiaries that the knightly brotherhood is not an idea, but a daily practice of love,” he says.
Thanks to help, they become independent
Father Andriy Syrko testifies that the local Knights constantly help people suffering from the war. Economic, logistical help, and even making wooden benches for the center’s beneficiaries or delivering food packages – all this is the practical involvement of the local brothers.
Two elderly brothers, who were forced to flee the war and lost everything, became beneficiaries of “Arka.” After some time, they joined the Knights of Columbus. Thanks to the support of the Council and Father Andriy, they became independent – they now live in a separate house and even became employees of the center: one as a security guard, and the other provides psychological help as a social worker. “When we came here, we felt silence, because we got used to shelling. Here, people – beneficiaries – who come, become calm,” emphasizes Pavlo Yuriev, one of the Brothers.
Volodymyr Levytsky’s wife, Vira, also a Knight of Columbus, shares her impressions of “Arka’s” activities. She recalls that the entire parish participated in renovating the old school building so that it could serve refugees. Mr. Volodymyr, who is an electrician, helped and continues to help provide for electricity needs. Both are witnesses to how happy the elderly people from the center in Rakulowe are. The Levytskys lost their son during this war – in this help for “Arka” they find meaning in life – helping others to regain it too.
Forgotten victims of war
According to Bishop Bubnij, seniors are among the most forgotten victims of the conflict. “During wartime, all resources are concentrated on defending the country, and the social sphere becomes very poor,” says the Greek Catholic bishop. As he points out, the Church is doing everything to help people survive this time.
The home in Rakulowe is now owned by the Church, and efforts are underway to include its residents in state support. Until then, however, further funds are needed so that “Arka” can remain a place of peace for seniors who have lost almost everything.
