CLEVELAND, Ohio (WJW) — A Roman Catholic sister from Ukraine who serves near the front lines and landed on a Russian hit-list came to Cleveland over the weekend.
Sister Olena Bunda, OV lives in Odessa but was invited to northeast Ohio by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
She and other religious members from Eastern European countries, including Croatia participated in a conference discussing religious education and evangelization at Franciscan University in Steubenville.
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“It’s very edifying and something to think about in the future,” she said.
The devout 49-year-old then traveled to Tremont and met with Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) who serves as leader of the Ukraine caucus in congress.
“I thought how coincidental is this, and for her to be here in Cleveland with the third largest Ukrainian American population,” said Kaptur.
They sat down at the Ukrainian Museum on Kenilworth and Sister Olena shared some of her war experiences. She recalled seeing fire flying through the skies when the invasion began and discussed the horrors that continue to this day.
“The city is constantly under shelling and under drones and there is even civilian hunting,” she said, “If someone goes to shopping or crosses the streets they are killed by the drones.”
Sister Olena, priests and other religious members from The Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral in Odessa were given the option to leave but chose to stay. She said they provide food and sanctuary while also witnessing both atrocities and divine interventions; including a miraculous occurrence on Christmas Eve.
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“Many families were gathered to decorate the church,” she said, “And a missile hit the church but it got stuck and it didn’t explode. It was a miracle.”
Which is why she is resolute about continuing to serve others and says she has seen God bring many people back into the church.
“This wonderful wonderful human being here with us as a personal witness to war into the hope for peace at this moment, I just think it’s extraordinary,” said Kaptur.
Their reactions to the President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin Summit were hopeful but also realistic.
“I think the Congress of the United States stands behind the president in a very difficult negotiation, other agreements Russia has signed. She’s (Russia) never kept her word,” said Kaptur.
Kaptur went on to say Ukraine has strong support in Congress and that they want to work with President Trump standing for liberty and finding a road forward.
Sister Olena said, “I personally don’t believe it is possible to make a pact with Russia but I believe Ukraine will win. I believe God is with us,” she said, “And we ask you to support us and to help us and to pray for us.”
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