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On Monday morning, April 21, the world community learned of the loss of the spiritual leader of millions of Catholics — Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed that the pontiff died at 7:35 a.m., the day after Easter. “Francis has returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was devoted to serving the Lord and His Church,” — said Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church. The First Pope from Latin America Jorge Mario Bergoglio, known to the world as Pope Francis, became the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church and the first Jesuit pope. His election in 2013 was marked by several historic “firsts”: he became the first pope from South America, the first non-European in over 1,200 years, and the first Jesuit to hold the head of the Church. He chose the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi — the patron of the poor, peace, and nature. This choice reflected the pontiff’s vision: an open church for all, attention to the poor and marginalized, environmental protection, tolerance, and interfaith dialogue. Pope of Change and Challenges His pontificate will be remembered as one of the most progressive in the history of the Catholic Church. Francis: condemned social inequality and the impunity of capitalism; actively advocated for environmental protection, calling the planet “our common home”; apologized for sexual abuse within the Church, called for transparency and accountability for perpetrators; opened the doors to recognizing same-sex couples and accepting transgender individuals into the Church; elevated women to high positions within the Vatican; The Last Years and Legacy The final years of Francis’s life were marked by health problems: he underwent several hospitalizations, had issues with breathing, mobility, and nerve pain. In 2022, he hinted at a possible resignation, which sparked discussions within the Church about the future of the Papacy. His death marked the end of an era of spiritual renewal and posed new challenges for the Vatican. However, Francis’s legacy — a pope who opened the Church to the world — will remain for a long time.

From the bottom of our hearts, we congratulate the person of great honor, strength of spirit, and boundless love for Ukraine — Dr. Taras Maklai, head of Cleveland Maidan! Your service to the community, dedication to the Ukrainian cause, and unwavering stance are an example for many. Thank you for everything you do for our community, for your support, wisdom, and sincere heart. Thank you for your work, your faith in Ukraine, and the warmth you share with all those in need of support. You are a person who makes the world a better place. Your activity is a bridge between the hearts of Ukrainians in the USA and the native land. We wish you good health, inspiration, joy, family warmth, and new achievements. May the Lord bless you at every step, and may loyal friends and grateful people always be near you. With respect and best wishes from the team V-doma.com!

After the controversial meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the United States adopted a number of decisions that alarmed the Ukrainian community. Termination of military assistance and suspension of intelligence exchanges with Ukraine became a sign of a change in American policy. Another shock for many was the US stance at the UN, where Washington unexpectedly voted along with Russia against a resolution that condemns Kremlin's aggression. For Americans of Ukrainian descent, this was a painful blow. "It’s akin to a 180-degree turn, and it very much disoriented the Ukrainian community in the U.S.," — notes Mark Andriychuk, a researcher of Ukrainian studies at Columbia University. From sorrow to action Despite feelings of loss and disappointment, these events became a powerful incentive for community activism. "We’re combining grief with organizational work – at least, that’s my daily schedule," — shares Maria Kalina, a Ukrainian activist living in Philadelphia for over 40 years. Kalina notes that the Ukrainian struggle is not limited to the last three years of war. It has deep historical roots, dating back to World War II, the annexation of Crimea in 2014, and the revolutionary events of Maidan. "When Ukrainians say they will fight to the last, it’s not just a slogan. It’s a struggle that spans generations," — she emphasizes. Community support is growing Despite political changes in Washington, the Ukrainian community is receiving a new wave of support. "People call me asking where they can get the Ukrainian flag. They invite me to speak, they show solidarity," — Kalina recounts. Over the past three years, Philadelphia has seen protests, charity concerts, and actions in support of Ukraine. Volunteers send humanitarian aid, raise funds, and write letters to officials urging the resumption of assistance. On Tuesday, a mass rally was held at Philadelphia City Hall in support of Ukraine. Despite political challenges, Ukrainians in the U.S. do not give up. They continue to fight for Ukraine – at rallies, through volunteer work, and by active civic engagement.

VIKTORIIA WINSTONE (Victoria Uvarova) – singer, songwriter, star educator, music producer. A talented woman who is not afraid of challenges and always moves forward. A year ago, she ended up in Cleveland due to the war, but she did not give up and did not abandon her creativity. Here she continues to work as a vocal and music teacher, writes music, shoots music videos, which she directs herself, and at the same time raises her young son. Despite the difficult situation, Viktoriya remains true to her calling – to create and inspire. On February 14, her song “Don’t Ever Doubt” premiered, and soon a music video will be released as well. Exclusive interview We conducted an exclusive interview with Viktoriya Uvarova, in which she shared her creative plans, told about her journey in music, and her teaching activities. Don't miss a unique opportunity to learn more about this talented Ukrainian singer! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3vZLBrVBqQ&ab_channel=Vdomacom Early years and education Victoria Uvarova was born in the city of Pryluky, Chernihiv region. At 16, she won the "Chervona Ruta" festival, which became an important milestone in her career. After that, Viktoriya went for training at a star school for producers and performers, where she gained valuable experience in the world of music. Later, she obtained higher education at Kyiv Pedagogical University and also graduated from Jazz School in Kyiv, which allowed her to expand her musical worldview and improve her vocal skills. Additionally, Viktoriya studied at the Inter-School majoring in production, which helped her master the art of creating and promoting musical projects. Career and participation in "The Voice of the Country" While working as a vocal teacher, Viktoriya decided to test her abilities on a big stage and took part in the ninth season of the popular Ukrainian show "The Voice of the Country". During the blind auditions, she performed Gaita’s song “Ne ydi,” which attracted the attention of the coaches and the audience. During the “vocal battles,” Viktoriya performed together with Viktoriya Oliynik, singing “Bitanga” by Alina Pash. Their duet received positive feedback and demonstrated a high level of preparation. Support from famous artists Viktoriya is an experienced vocal coach who has worked with many well-known Ukrainian showbiz artists. Among her students are Наталія Могилевська, Анна Седокова, Діана Глостер, Катерина Бужинська, Ольга Ракицька, Єва Бушміна, and others. Her professionalism and pedagogical talent have helped many artists realize their potential and improve their vocal mastery. Contemporary activity Besides her stage activities, Viktoriya actively manages her social media pages, including Instagram and YouTube, where she shares moments from her personal and professional life under the pseudonym Viktoriia Winstone. She continues to develop her career in the music industry, combining performance with teaching, producing, and creating her own musical projects, inspiring many by her example.

Friday, February 7 Washington, D.C., became a hub of critical discussions on the resilience, unity, and future of Ukraine during Ukrainian Week in Washington. From high-level diplomatic meetings to thought-provoking discussions on education and national identity, this event strengthened Ukraine’s resolve to rebuild, reform, and intensify international partnerships. UKRAINIAN PRAYER GATHERING IN WASHINGTON Ukrainian Prayer The annual Ukrainian Prayer Gathering united American and Ukrainian leaders in Washington to pray for peace and Ukraine’s victory. Over 500 delegates participated, including religious leaders, members of Congress, military personnel, Ukraine’s Ambassador to the USA Oksana Markarova, and former President Petro Poroshenko. The event highlighted Ukraine’s ongoing fight for freedom and gratitude for international support. PARTNERSHIP SUMMIT BETWEEN THE USA AND UKRAINE Participants of the Humanitarian and Church Partnership Bloc The Ukraine-U.S. Partnership Summit gathered a notable group of participants from Ukraine and the United States, including officials, business leaders, humanitarian experts, educators, and representatives of human rights organizations. The event consisted of three key segments: Regional Partnership, Humanitarian Partnership, and Education, Business, and Advocacy Partnership. Regional Partnership brought together Ukrainian regional leaders and American officials, including senators, mayors, and Congress members, to strengthen inter-regional cooperation. Humanitarian Partnership united leading American humanitarian organizations, religious groups, and philanthropic leaders to discuss humanitarian efforts, with Ukrainian representatives highlighting key support initiatives. Partnership in Education, Business, and Advocacy connected leaders, sector experts, and advocacy pioneers from both countries to explore opportunities in business, education, and public engagement. David Brooks from GEM noted that such events provide an excellent platform for discussion and experience-sharing at various levels. He added that, despite challenging times, Ukraine has enormous potential. “During difficult times, it is important to remember that after darkness comes light, and Ukraine’s potential remains vast. Events like this create opportunities for idea exchange, establishing connections, and formulating thoughts that we might not have expressed before. Ultimately, we aim to establish connections—whether through resource provision, education, or solutions—so we can collaborate and grow together.” - David Brooks, GEM, keynote at the Forum Lyudmila Zayninger, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Institute of America: “We have built strong ties with various communities, focusing on informational and educational work, cooperation, and engagement. We work with diplomats worldwide, but our partnerships go beyond diplomacy — we collaborate with musicians, artists, and authors. This also includes technology, science, medicine, and business. Demonstrating what Ukrainians believe in, who they are, and their incredible resilience.” The summit united Ukrainian and American leaders to expand cooperation in governance, humanitarian aid, education, and business. Former Vice President Mike Pence spoke at the Ukrainian Week 2025 Gala Dinner “I am a former Vice President of the United States of America. I am a former governor of Indiana, a great state. But I am here as an ordinary American to simply say—from the bottom of my heart—thank you for your support. President Reagan once said: ‘If you are willing to fight our enemies on your land with your soldiers, we will provide you with the means to fight those enemies so we don’t have to fight them ourselves.’ It is in the interest of freedom, Ukraine, and the security of the United States of America to support Ukraine with the aid it needs. Vladimir Putin thought his war would end in a few days. I believe we would find it difficult to fight our enemies on our own land. But the people of Ukraine are bravely fighting. Their courage burns bright and inspires the world. Because the Bible tells us: ‘Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.’ And when we stand for liberty — when your people fight for liberty — they do His work. So I thank you all for standing with Ukraine. It is an honor for me, from the heart. We will stand with you until peace and security return to Ukraine. Glory to Ukraine!” Saturday, February 8 STRATEGIC MEETING WITH UKRAINIAN DIASPORA LEADERS IN THE USA Within Ukrainian Week 2025, this strategic meeting brought together Ukrainian diaspora leaders from the United States to discuss key priorities, challenges, and opportunities for increasing civic engagement, advocacy, and support for Ukraine. This event summarized “Ukrainian Week 2025” — an occasion during which prominent officials, religious leaders, businesspeople, and global supporters participated in high-level discussions, networking events, and cultural initiatives aimed at strengthening solidarity with Ukraine. ABOUT UKRAINIAN WEEK:Created in February 2022 in Washington, Ukrainian Week quickly established itself as an important platform for strengthening ties between the USA and Ukraine. In 2023, over 500 delegates attended, and in 2024, their number increased to over 750. The event highlights Ukraine’s resilience, promotes its values, and fosters long-term partnerships among political, business, religious, and academic circles in both countries. Ukrainian Week also reinforces the US commitment to supporting Ukraine, uniting Americans and Ukrainians in shared aspirations for democracy, religious freedom, and sovereignty. As a symbol of solidarity, this event reflects shared Christian values that connect both countries in their pursuit of a peaceful and prosperous future. There was also a closed-door meeting between Donald Trump and the Ukrainian diaspora. Sources report that it went positively for Ukraine. This year's Ukrainian Week took place from February 3 to 8.

Frontline Journey: from Rubizhne to Siversk Yurii Haivyk — a fighter of 111th Brigade, who fought in the hottest spots of eastern Ukraine. His combat path went through the cities of Rubizhne, Severodonetsk, Lysychansk, Siversk, and many other settlements. His first injury was received in Rubizhne — a bullet lodged in his back, but this did not stop him, and he continued to carry out combat missions. The second injury, sustained in Siversk, was decisive — the soldier suffered serious injuries that led to amputation. "I got injured simply — an FAB (air bomb) fell nearby, and that’s all," — Yurii recounts. Despite the difficult situation, comrades did everything possible to provide first aid and evacuate him. Rehabilitation and Assistance from PROTEZ FOUNDATION After the amputation, Yurii found himself in the USA, where he is undergoing rehabilitation and prosthetics. Initially, he received a prosthesis at the Ukrainian center SUPERHUMANS, but due to issues with the design, he turned to PROTEZ FOUNDATION, a charitable organization that helps Ukrainian military personnel obtain quality prostheses. "PROTEZ FOUNDATION operates solely on charitable funds, and this is a significant amount for prosthetics and rehabilitation of soldiers. A new group of 17 guys with various types of amputations is now coming to us," — explains Yurii. He also notes that the hand of his new prosthesis is made by Ukrainian company Espar Bionics, which provides its technologies to the military for free. Participation in the Washington Forum Yurii became a participant in the forum in Washington, which he attended through connections made during fundraising events in Chicago for the prosthetic treatment of wounded soldiers. He believes such events are extremely important because they help the world not forget about the war in Ukraine. "I am for Ukraine not being forgotten, not forgetting about the military and the wounded. The war is ongoing, and this needs to be talked about," — he emphasizes. Future Plans and Support from Comrades Regarding his own future, Yurii has not given definitive answers yet, but is confident that he will work on creating opportunities for other wounded military personnel. "We will look for various opportunities, create something that will enable comrades to find employment," — he says. Yurii also pays special attention to the memory of fallen heroes: "I want streets, buildings, parks to be named in their honor. That journalists tell more about the war because everyone on the front does heroic deeds. This cannot be forgotten!" The path from civilian to soldier Before the full-scale invasion, Yurii had no military experience — he managed a small construction company together with a friend-gear. But when the war started, he evacuated his family to a safe place and went to fight himself. "My wife said: ‘Let’s wait and see.’ I moved around until evening, told her I’d buy some canned meat and return... that’s how I left, and they brought me back already (laughs)," — Yurii recalls. Today he continues to fight, but on a different front — helping Ukrainian defenders get the necessary treatment, drawing the world's attention to the war, and believing in Ukraine’s victory. Don't forget to support Ukrainian soldiers! If you have the opportunity to help, look for reputable charitable organizations that provide rehabilitation and prosthetics for wounded servicemen.

Taras Maslyak — the chief physician of the Central Clinical Hospital in Ivano-Frankivsk, who has been heading this multidisciplinary medical institution for over 15 years. His life path is a combination of medical mission and active support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Doctor at War: Frontline Doctor's Experience Taras Maslyak spent four years in the zone of hostilities in eastern Ukraine, working as a surgeon, head of the medical unit, and deputy head of the hospital. "We saved very many lives of Ukrainian soldiers," — he recalls. During his years of service, he witnessed hundreds of cases of severe military injuries, which provided him with invaluable experience that he now applies in civilian medicine. Central Clinical Hospital: Development and Challenges Under Taras Maslyak's leadership, his hospital conducts from 14,000 to 16,000 operations each year, including about 300 open-heart surgeries. There is a transplantation department that already performs kidney transplants from relatives, and now they are preparing for the transplantation of a heart-lung complex. "We are a small rural-city hospital," — jokes Mr. Taras, explaining that many residents of villages and internally displaced persons, who have not received quality medical care for years, are treated here. Also, 30% of the hospital staff serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. At the same time, the facility has welcomed many medical professionals who moved from frontline regions and found employment here. Partnership with the USA: Medical Cooperation The war has significantly complicated healthcare funding in Ukraine, so the doctor is actively seeking international partners. He has been in the USA before: as early as 2013, he studied there in the field of health insurance and military practice. "I want to establish contacts with clinics in the USA so that our doctors can undergo training. They have unique experience in treating military injuries, which will also be useful for American specialists," — says Maslyak. He also emphasizes the importance of developing cardiac surgery, transplantation, and rehabilitation in Ukraine. Assistance from US Doctors Mr. Taras recalls two major missions by doctors from Chicago and New York who worked in Ukraine. "These were plastic surgeons, cardiac surgeons, rheumatologists. One mission consisted of 12 doctors from various cities in the USA, including Washington," — he recounts. Currently, Maslyak invites American colleagues to collaborate, as Ukraine faces a significant need for specialists and opportunities for experience exchange. "If there are volunteer doctors, we will gladly accept them. We handle many cases of military injuries, and we are ready to share our knowledge," — the doctor concludes. Taras Maslyak is an example of a doctor who not only saves lives but also builds the future of Ukrainian medicine by creating new opportunities even in the most challenging times. Do not forget to support Ukrainian medical professionals and military personnel! If you have the opportunity to help, find trusted charitable funds that support medical institutions in Ukraine.

Sean Patrick Brennan — a member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the 14th district, which covers the city of Parma. He represents the Democratic Party. Recently, Brennan celebrated the adoption of Bill HB 360, which officially establishes August 24 as Ukraine Independence Day in Ohio. This bill was the result of bipartisan cooperation with former State Representative Bill Seitz.It is worth noting that Sean Patrick Brennan is not a senator, but holds a position in the Ohio House of Representatives. Sean Patrick Brennan holds the position of Member of the Ohio House of Representatives (State Representative). This means he is a legislator (congressman) at the state level, not at the federal level.Differences: • Senator: Member of the State Senate or the U.S. Federal Senate. • Congressman: A general term used for members of the House of Representatives (either at the state or federal level).Therefore, the correct title of his position is: Member of the Ohio House of Representatives (Ohio State Representative).

Anastasiia Yurchuk, 32 years old, was born in Zdolbuniv, Rivne region. She has been passionate about music since childhood. After graduating from school, she enrolled in Rivne Musical College, and then continued her studies at Rivne State Humanitarian University in the department of "choral conducting." She was fortunate to have wonderful teachers who instilled a love for music and a desire to share it. Even during her studies at the music school, Anastasiia organized a children's choir. Its members included the youngest residents of P'yatihory village, located near Zdolbuniv. Before the full-scale invasion, Anastasiia emigrated to the USA together with her husband and son. Currently, she works as a conductor of a children's choir at the Protection of the Holy Virgin Mary UGCC Church in Parma, Ohio. The ensemble includes over 40 children aged from 4 to 12 years. The choir actively participates in parish celebrations and international competitions, where they win top awards.In the activities of the collective, their leader notes strong support from the church spiritual guides – Father Mikhail Drozdovsky and Father Bogdan Nasypany, the parish council, and the parents of the young performers."We are all a big family with one goal: to glorify the Lord and honor Ukrainian treasures," emphasizes Anastasiia. The next achievement of the children's choir was the performance of "The Glow of the Christmas Night," which was presented in the Church of the Protection on the eve of Epiphany. The choir at the church under the direction of Roman Pachashynskyi also amazed the audience with their performance. Young artists once again impressed viewers with their vocal abilities and revealed another talent – acting, demonstrating their sincere love for Ukrainian traditions.