“Do Not Take the Opportunity to Study in Peace for Granted,” Head of the UGCC Tells Students at Ukrainian School in Winnipeg
On November 6, the Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, visited the Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Winnipeg, Canada. Meeting with kindergarteners, students, parents, and teachers, the Primate shared reflections on the value of education, the opportunities available to children in Canada, and the experiences of their peers in Ukraine—where, due to the Russian war, schooling has become a daily challenge.
Accompanying the Head of the Church on his visit to the school were the newly appointed Metropolitan-elect of Winnipeg, Archbishop Michael Kwiatkowski; the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archeparchy of Winnipeg, Bishop Andriy Rabiy; the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archeparchy of Kyiv, Bishop Andriy Khimyak; and Rev. Oleh Oleksa, Secretary to the Patriarch.
At the beginning of the meeting, His Beatitude Sviatoslav and the guests were welcomed by the school principal, Rod Picklyk, and the school director, Sister Patricia Lacey of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, the religious order that operates the school. The students thanked the Patriarch for his leadership of the Church, families, and the school; they promised to pray for him, heed his guidance, and grow into good Christians.
The students then performed several songs, including “Ukraine Will Prevail” (Україна переможе). Through this song, they lifted up a prayer to the Lord, asking for the preservation of the lives of Ukraine’s sons and daughters, and for the strength of spirit of the Ukrainian people to endure through times of darkness.
Addressing the children, His Beatitude shared that he was deeply impressed by their talents and skills.
“I am truly impressed by how talented and well-educated you are, and by the wide range of skills you already possess. Your performance on the sopilka was incredible! You handled it with such mastery. And the youngest children from the kindergarten did such a wonderful job on their projects and drawings. I can see how much you know, and what a blessing it is for you to study at this special school here in Winnipeg,” said the Head of the UGCC.
He shared that, prior to the meeting, he had reflected on what children in Ukraine—specifically from Kyiv, the city he comes from and which holds a special place in his heart—might want to say to their peers in Canada. Observing the students’ performance, Patriarch Sviatoslav highlighted three things that, in his view, Ukrainian children would likely want to share with their counterparts in Winnipeg.
The first point the Patriarch noted was the very opportunity to attend school. “Many ordinary things that are part of your daily lives are by no means guaranteed for children your age in Ukraine.” “For example, the opportunity to go to school. Many Ukrainian children already know that this is a privilege not available to everyone. Most schools and universities in Kyiv operate exclusively online. Quite a few children your age have never attended school at all. In Ukraine, there are even underground schools. Do you know why? Because attending a regular school is dangerous. Yet, you have the privilege of learning in this wonderful space of joy, knowledge, and education,” explained His Beatitude Sviatoslav.
He identified a second aspect: the ability to use electricity and stay connected.
“There is a little joke in Ukraine. After completing an assignment, a teacher asks the students: ‘What asset would you take from the rich to give to the poor?’ A student raises their hand and replies: ‘We know—Wi-Fi!’” the Patriarch shared.
He explained that for children forced to study online, access to electricity and the internet is an essential requirement for continuing their education. The Primate also pointed to another ordinary—yet not always accessible—privilege for Ukrainian children: the ability to sleep peacefully at night in their own beds.
“In Ukraine, children very often have to spend their nights in shelters, hiding from Russian bombs, drones, and missiles. Therefore, do not take these ordinary things for granted. You have a great blessing and the fortunate opportunity to enjoy them,” he emphasized.
The third point His Beatitude Sviatoslav wished to share with Ukrainian children concerns the true purpose of education: school should not merely convey information and knowledge, but also shape character, develop human skills, and foster the capacity to discover new things.
“Do you know the difference between information and education? School provides not only knowledge about various subjects but also human skills—the ability to learn more and to keep on learning. That is why the children of Ukraine would want to tell you what a blessing it is to be able to sit together in the same classroom. Some Ukrainian children, now in the fifth grade, have never sat at a school desk alongside their friends. Having a teacher present in the classroom is a privilege. Do not take this for granted; make the very best use of these opportunities,” the Primate said, addressing the students.
He encouraged the children to study diligently and to strive to be the best students—not only in the province of Manitoba but throughout all of Canada.
The Head of the UGCC also addressed parents, teachers, and school staff specifically. He noted that the current Ukrainian education system is sustained by the heroism of individuals who continue to teach children despite the war. According to him, 75 % of Ukrainian children are emotionally exhausted and simply lack the strength to engage fully in their studies. Therefore, the very ability to organize the educational process amidst the war is, in itself, a heroic act.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav thanked teachers and educators for their care for the children, and—speaking on behalf of the Mother Church—thanked parents not only for bringing their children to school but also for remaining their primary teachers and mentors.
“It is you who open up not only earthly life to them, but also share your faith in God with them, passing it on to future generations. Thank you very much!” the Patriarch said.
During the meeting, the Head of the Church also switched to Ukrainian and asked the children who understood him to raise their hands. Seeing many hands go up, His Beatitude remarked: “I bring you greetings from Kyiv—from your peers, the boys and girls of Ukraine.”
He also mentioned that the previous day he had visited a Ukrainian school in Pompeii, Italy, where more than 100 Ukrainian children are studying.
Read also:
“Be the Best and Remember Ukraine”: His Beatitude Sviatoslav to Students at a Ukrainian School in Pompeii
“For me, it is a special experience to establish a network of Ukrainian schools in various corners of the world. May the Lord bless you all! The Church remembers you,” emphasized the Head of the UGCC.
In closing, he asked the children to pray for Ukraine and to remember in their prayers those Ukrainians who are living through the war.
“Do not take for granted all the opportunities and blessings that Canada offers you. May God be your light, His wisdom your knowledge, and His grace your strength,” wished His Beatitude Sviatoslav.
The UGCC Department for InformationPhoto: Severyn Shved
