Appeal of the Permanent Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church on the Third Anniversary of the Full-Scale Russian Invasion of Ukraine
The Permanent Synod of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, which is currently taking place in Canada, has issued its Appeal on the third anniversary of the beginning of the full-scale Russian aggression against Ukraine. We publish the text of the document below.
of the Permanent Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church on the
Three years ago, Ukrainians awoke to the sound of explosions and anxious phone calls bearing the dreadful words: “The war has begun.” At dawn on February 24, 2022, the first air raid siren echoed across our land, and for 1,097 days and nights, it has not fallen silent.
Over these years, Ukrainians have learned to navigate the harsh realities of full-scale war. The wail of sirens, though ever-present, no longer instills the same terror—it has become a call to vigilance, a summons to action. We know where the nearest shelter is and how long our phone charge will last. We structure our days around power outages. Businesses, both great and small, continue to adapt with remarkable ingenuity. Soldiers, medics, and rescuers sharpen their skill and resolve daily to preserve life. Families remain connected across borders, sustaining one another.
Yet, we have not become accustomed to war. One cannot grow used to evil, nor resign oneself to it. We have become stronger than we were on that fateful morning three years ago. But we have not come to terms with our losses—each one hurts. Every fallen defender, every innocent life lost remains in the memory of God and people. We remember and pray. We support and uphold. We stand and fight, ever mindful of the God-given dignity that no force on earth can take from us.
The destruction, suffering, and trauma inflicted upon our nation are staggering. Even if the war ended today, decades would be required to rebuild what has been damaged or destroyed: 3,500 school and university buildings, over 1,200 hospitals, 670 churches, thousands of kilometers of roads, hundreds of thousands of homes, power stations, and factories.
Even more difficult will be the restoration and healing of lives shattered by war. It is not only our land that has been scarred by craters from rockets, mines, and drones. Tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians bear grievous wounds, and countless more suffer the unseen pain of trauma. Thousands of our children have been torn from their homeland and are being raised to hate their homeland. Extraordinary efforts will be required to bring back nearly seven million refugees and to ensure the safe return of four million internally displaced persons— so they can once again have a home—a place of safety, comfort, family love, and warmth.
Yet, we have not become a people defined by war—we have become a people defined by sacrifice. Ukraine ranks among the top ten countries in the global charity index. Hundreds of thousands—men and women, young and old—have taken up arms in defense of their homeland, their values, and the very gift of life itself. Many have made the ultimate sacrifice. Across our land, yellow and blue flags on graves testify to their love and our gratitude. Millions contribute daily, and the word “fundraiser” has become as familiar as “missile strike.” The latter seeks to bring death; the former brings forth life.
We have become a nation on the Way of the Cross. Yet we, as Christians, know where this path leads—to the Resurrection, to the fullness of life in the freedom and dignity of God’s children.
This war is a test of our humanity. And in the face of profound evil and suffering, Ukrainians respond with self-sacrifice and resolve. It is through this sacrifice that we endure. For this, we give thanks to each and every person. With deep reverence and gratitude, we pray for and support our defenders, wherever they may be—on the front lines or in the rear, in captivity or in hospitals. They and their families remain ever present in the prayers of the Church.
We endure thanks to the solidarity of people of goodwill. On behalf of the bishops of our Church, we express our heartfelt gratitude to Catholics around the world, to nations, leaders, charitable organizations, journalists, medical workers, and millions of others who have stood with us for these three years. Your prayers, your words, your deeds sustain us. God’s strength is our strength.
Yet Ukraine still needs your voice, your solidarity. As the world deliberates peace agreements, we must remind all: Ukraine is not merely a land—it is its people. It is for their dignity and freedom that our best sons and daughters lay down their lives. And they do so not only for Ukraine but for the dignity and freedom of all people. This heroic sacrifice must never be forgotten, diminished, or betrayed.
Russia brings death, devastation, and the eradication of religious freedom. In the occupied territories, our brothers and sisters in faith—clergy and faithful of various confessions—are prisoners of the aggressor. The occupiers have already taken the lives of 67 pastors from different Churches. Many have suffered captivity, and others remain imprisoned. History bears witness: whenever Russia occupies Ukraine, our Church faces persecution. This was true in the 18th and 19th centuries, in 1946, and now once more. We are called to be the voice of the persecuted, to ensure that in no peace agreement, in name only, will our faith, dignity, or freedom become a bargaining chip. True peace cannot exist without justice. An unjust truce is a criminal mockery that will only lead to greater injustice and suffering.
To the world, we proclaim: Ukrainians believe in the triumph of God’s truth. Even amidst sorrow and ruin, we remain a people of hope. We believe in the Resurrection, for we know: God is with us—with the persecuted, the oppressed, the mourning, and the suffering. In Him, we place all our trust. And so, we stand, we fight, we pray.
We know that one morning, we will receive the long-awaited call: “The war is over,” and we will offer our prayers of thanksgiving before the throne of the Almighty.
Christ is Risen! Ukraine shall rise!
† SVIATOSLAV
