At the Knights of Columbus Convention, With the Participation of Bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, a Resolution in Support of Ukraine Was Adopted
The 144th Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus took place August 1–6 in Denver, Colorado, USA. More than 2,100 Knights, their families, hierarchs, and guests from 13 countries participated in the annual gathering. Among the participants was a Ukrainian delegation, including representatives of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.
Representing Ukraine at the Convention were National Delegate Mykola Mostovyak, National Secretary Oleksandr Brunevych, National Treasurer Myroslav Mazur, Regional Delegate Mykhailo Chipak, and Grand Knight of Council No. 17293 (Ivano-Frankivsk), Roman Kulikovsky.
Also participating in the Convention were the national chaplains of the Knights of Columbus—Metropolitan Mieczysław Mokrzycki of the Roman Catholic Church in Lviv and Bishop Mykhailo Bubniy, Exarch of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Odesa—as well as Metropolitan Michael Kwiatkowski of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Winnipeg, Bishop Bryan Bayda of the Eparchy of Toronto and Eastern Canada of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, and representatives of the clergy.
Support for Ukraine was one of the key issues addressed at the Convention. Delegates adopted a resolution reaffirming their solidarity with the Ukrainian people, calling for an end to hostilities, and urging the provision of humanitarian aid to those affected. The document also expressed gratitude to the Knights in Poland and Ukraine for their assistance to those suffering from the war and reiterated their commitment to continued support for the victims through the Solidarity with Ukraine Fund and works of mercy.
During the annual report, Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly spoke separately about the service of the Ukrainian Knights. He highlighted the assistance they provide to military personnel and civilians and remembered the Knights who serve on the front lines and have given their lives.
“You embody the finest qualities of the Order,” Patrick Kelly emphasized, addressing the Ukrainian delegation.
He also spoke about the Blessed Father Michael McGivney Scholarship Program for young Ukrainians who have lost a parent due to the war. Among the Convention participants was scholarship recipient Kateryna Poplavska from Kyiv. Her mother was killed in a Russian missile strike on the hospital where she worked as a doctor.
During the Convention, an award ceremony was also held for St. Demetrius the Great Martyr Council No. 17293 from Ivano-Frankivsk. The council received an international award in the “Faith” category for organizing a pilgrimage to Poland for the wives and children of Ukrainian service members who died defending Ukraine.
Throughout the Convention, the Ukrainian delegation addressed the issue of continued support for Ukraine and encouraged Knights in various countries to pray for the Ukrainian people and raise awareness of the war in their communities.
The 144th Supreme Convention concluded on August 6. Upon their return, the Ukrainian Knights will continue their ministry in Ukraine, specifically by assisting the families of the fallen, supporting the military, and praying for peace.
The UGCC Department for Information
