The Diocese of Southern Bessarabia donated a mobile hospital to Ukraine’s Odesa region, with the official handover ceremony taking place on Saturday, when Bishop Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia presented the vehicle to the regional administration.

During the visit, the bishop was accompanied by Claudiu Tătaru, Romania’s Consul General in Odesa; Alexandrin Moiseev, a member of the Romanian Parliament; and Fr. Mihail Stegărescu, dean of Ismail.

According to the Diocese of Southern Bessarabia, the philanthropic initiative was made possible with the support of Dr Petre Oprean and the Lukas Hospital in Laslea, Sibiu County.

The diocesan delegation also visited the Odesa Municipal Hospital, the city’s oldest medical institution, with a history spanning more than two centuries.

Romania and Ukraine are in continued dialogue

Bishop Veniamin subsequently held talks with representatives of local and regional public authorities.

The discussions highlighted the contribution of the Romanian Orthodox Church to assisting Ukrainian refugees, as well as civilians who remain in Ukraine. The Church’s solidarity has been expressed through humanitarian aid sent to Ukraine, particularly to areas affected by the conflict, with Romanian dioceses at home and abroad taking part in the effort.

Bishop Veniamin also presented the situation of Ukrainians living in Romania and the support they receive from both the Romanian state and the Romanian Orthodox Church in preserving their cultural and identity values.

Romania’s Consul General in Odesa, Claudiu Tătaru, addressed the current state of relations between the two countries, reaffirming Romania’s openness and support for Ukrainian citizens amid the ongoing war.

Both delegations expressed hope for an end to the conflict and the restoration of peace.

Photo: Diocese of Southern Bessarabia