Bishop Yosafat Moshchych Meets with Evangelization Communities in Vienna
On April 6, a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Church of St. Barbara and the Holy Family in Vienna, presided over by Bishop Yosafat Moschych, head of the Patriarchal Commission on Evangelization of the UGCC. Following a joint prayer for Ukraine, he met with representatives of evangelization communities active in Austria.
The UGCC press service in Austria reported on the event.
Among those present were Ukrainian priests serving in Vienna—Fr. Taras Shahala, Fr. Lubomyr Dutka, and Fr. Damian Haboriy—as well as Rev. Yuriy Kolasa, Protosyncellus of the Ordinariate for the Eastern Catholic Churches in Austria. Rev. Kolasa presented an overview of the communities’ current activities and stressed the importance of continued cooperation and expanding the Church’s pastoral outreach.
In his address, Bishop Yosafat Moshchych reflected on the present challenges of evangelization and the Church’s mission.
“People need a tangible experience of God, which, sadly, they often do not receive. This experience is most accessible in small communities, where true Christian unity can flourish. Regular biblical formation and active lay involvement in the Church are essential. We should not be afraid to entrust responsibilities to the faithful—participation in mission fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens one’s faith,” the bishop said.
He continued: “The unity of the Liturgy and social service is the path to holiness. Even if someone does not fully grasp theological doctrine, the witness of love can lead to an encounter with Christ. Many of our faithful have yet to be truly evangelized. The apostles first proclaimed the Good News, then taught. God was pleased to save the world through the Gospel.”
“Catholic faith is grounded in the Sacraments and in truth, not in emotions. Baptism inscribes a person in the Book of Life. A deeper understanding of the Sacraments reveals the source and direction of spiritual life. Serving in a community means acting in the name of the Church. Everything done in the parish must be blessed. ‘Every believer should have a parish where they serve and feel a sense of belonging, while also staying connected with other communities,’ the bishop emphasized.
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