“Anchored in Hope”: 2025 Reporting and Giving Soirée Held in Philadelphia
The Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia hosted its 2025 Reporting and Giving Soirée on October 4 at the hall of the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia. This year’s event, held under the theme “Anchored in Hope,” brought together approximately 260 guests — clergy, religious, and lay faithful — to celebrate the life of the Archeparchy, learn about its ministries, and support its mission.
The evening featured a keynote address by Metropolitan Borys Gudziak, who reflected on hope as the anchor of Christian life and shared updates on new developments within the Archeparchy. “We have community. We have God’s blessing. We have unity. And we have hope,” said the Metropolitan. “My greatest hope is that your thermometer of hope, faith, and mutual love rises.” He expressed his wish that participants would return to their parishes inspired and with a clearer understanding of what the Archeparchy is and how it serves the faithful.
Parishes from across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland, as well as numerous organizations, joined the event — highlighting the breadth of the Archeparchy’s community and partnerships. Financial directors from the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church’s eparchies in Ukraine, who were visiting the United States, also participated in the soirée.
The evening raised a total of $112,244, with all proceeds benefiting the New Priests and Personnel Fund, which helps the Archeparchy develop new ministries and support pastoral initiatives. The total included $7,900 from a silent auction featuring works by Ukrainian and diaspora graphic artists, $2,550 from a live auction of unique experiences, and $1,252 from a 50/50 raffle. In all, over 175 individual donors contributed to the cause.
An anonymous benefactor also matched $100,000 in donations to benefit the Healing the Wounds of War in Ukraine Fund, extending the evening’s spirit of generosity to those affected by the ongoing war.
The Philadelphia Trust Company served as a Silver Sponsor, while the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family (Washington, DC) and the Self Reliance Financial Federal Credit Union supported the soirée as Bronze Sponsors. Music by Philadelphia Funk Authority and catering by The Choice Restaurant helped create a warm and festive atmosphere.
The Archeparchy invites all to join next year on October 17, 2026.
