Common Home TV, an apostolate of the Redemptorists of Oceania, has been granted rare access to the Redemptorist community in Chernihiv, Ukraine, bringing the viewer into the reality of the siege with dramatic, never before seen footage of Russia’s invasion.

The Seige of Chernihiv follows Fr Taras Kchik CSsR, a Redemptorist priest based in Ukraine.

From February 24 to April 4, 2022, unguided bombs indiscriminately hit the city causing civilian casualties and the mass destruction of infrastructure.

The Siege of Chernihiv witnesses the mobilisation of the Redemptorists and their efforts to help the community. From opening the church to shelter those who could not escape to organising supplies for shut-ins; to supporting hospital staff and those in palliative care, the Redemptorist charism of supporting the abandoned comes to life in this short documentary. The choice to remain and provide support is a dangerous one, as since the recording of this video two Redemptorist priests have been arrested and detained by Russian forces.

Taras’ Redemptorists confrères in Oceania say they are committed to working towards a swift and peaceful end to this conflict.

"Through watching this video, I have seen the wounds of Ukraine and its people. St Alphonsus Liguori, the founder of the Redemptorists, was close to the people, especially to the abandoned,” said Ukrainian Catholic Eparch for Australia, Bishop Mykola Bychok CSsR.

“Following his example, Ukrainian Redemptorists were and still are also close to people, giving them support during the war. They have shown them the unconditional love of God through their ministry: we are not alone; God is with us.

“I recommend watching "The Siege of Chernihiv" to understand what is happening now in Ukraine."

Donations to the Redemptorist Ukraine appeal can be made HERE. A digital resource kit for the Ukraine war can be found HERE.

This article is based on a media release from CommonHome TV.