Recently in Kyiv, I was deeply honoured to be named a Laureate of the Order of St Panteleimon.
The Order is regarded as one of Ukraine’s highest honours for humanitarian service, medicine, charity and mercy—often described as the country’s “Oscar for Charity & Mercy.”
Over the past 35 years, International Aid Trust has been humbled to receive many awards and honours, but this one is especially meaningful. It recognises our work alongside the people of Ukraine throughout the years of war, particularly since the full-scale invasion, and reflects the faithfulness of so many who have stood with Ukraine in their darkest days.
I was also honoured to be interviewed by two national television channels. During those interviews and in my acceptance speech, it was my privilege to thank the thousands of International Aid Trust staff, volunteers, supporters, churches, medics, chaplains and friends across Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States who have faithfully served together over so many years.
This prestigious honour does not belong to me alone. It belongs to every member of staff in our office, charity shops and warehouse, every volunteer who packed a box, every driver who delivered humanitarian aid, ambulances and rescue vehicles, every donor who gave generously, every church that prayed faithfully, to our Trustees and Directors and to every partner who has stood shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine. To our Ukraine teams who often drive into the most dangerous zones, covering much of the front-line areas delivering supplies to twenty-one hospitals. To our wonderful partners and friends in the military who sincerely and truly appreciate our support – and stand in the gap for our freedom. To our Bishops, pastors and leaders in Ukraine, our youth leaders, our chaplains. And especially to my dear wife Elaine, for putting up with me!
So I accepted this award on behalf of the entire International Aid Trust family, whose love, sacrifice and faithfulness have made this ministry possible for the past 35 years.
Above all, we give thanks to Almighty God, whose faithfulness has sustained and guided this ministry through every challenge and every blessing.
Psalm 115:1 says “ Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness.”
To God be all the glory.
Thank you, Ukraine, for this extraordinary honour. It has become part of my life’s calling to stand with your people, and, God willing, International Aid Trust will continue to do so for as long as He gives us strength.
Reverend Bernard Cocker
Founder & CEO
International Aid Trust U.K.
Special thanks to the Foreign Council of the Order of Saint Panteleimon in the United Kingdom, to its Head, Oksana Lovochkina, and her First Assistant, Nadiia; to Vasyl Kniazevych, Head of the Order of Saint Panteleimon in Ukraine, and his amazing team; and, of course, to Anatolii Shalaiev, Prof Ruslan Panchyshyn, and our dear Viktoriia. I am deeply grateful for all your kindness, encouragement and true friendship.
I am pictured right with; Vasyl Kniazevych, Head of the St Panteleimon Honourable Council, Former President Viktor Yushencho, Ambassador Michael.
