Head of the UGCC on the Assumption in Univ: “Mary, the only one who can call God ‘Son,’ pray for the sons and daughters of Ukraine!”
Today, we entrust into the hands of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the only one who can address God as “Son,” our prayers for our army, for the triumph of good over evil in Ukraine, and for victory over the enemy who comes to kill and destroy. His Beatitude Sviatoslav, the Father and Head of the UGCC, expressed this during a sermon at the Holy Dormition Univ Lavra on August 15, the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“Today, we celebrate the victory of life over death,” the Primate emphasized.
According to His Beatitude Sviatoslav, the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a celebration of the victory of incorruptible virginity and pure motherhood over all human vices, cravings, depravity, and lust: “Today, holiness in all its power shines in the figure of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who ascends and rests in the arms of her divine Son,” the archbishop said.
While quoting Psalm 44, which early Christians read on the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Head of the Church explained that the Mother of the King has always had a special role and mission—a mission in the work of her Son.
“It is no coincidence that on the day of Her Assumption, all the apostles miraculously assembled to accompany Her in the transition from earth to heaven. And it is no coincidence that Christ’s disciples have been gathering on this day for two thousand years to place our requests and prayers into the heart, the mouth, and the hands of the Blessed Virgin Mary,” said the Head of the UGCC, adding, “And today, ascending to heaven, She carries all those pains, tears, and sufferings of God’s people, and places them, along with her soul, into the hands of her divine Son.”
Moreover, during his sermon, His Beatitude Sviatoslav emphasized that the Virgin Mary was the only human being whom God could call “Mother,” and there is no one among people who could say “My Son” to God.
In times of brutal war, these words resonate in the hearts of Ukrainians in a special way. Therefore, on the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, according to the Patriarch, the entire Ukrainian nation places its prayers in the hands of the Blessed Virgin for all the sons and daughters of Ukraine.
“Today we ask: Most Holy Virgin Mary, You, who alone can call God ‘Dear Son,’ pray for the sons and daughters of Ukraine! Let the whole heavens hear our suffering, pain, and tears today! Reveal today the power of goodness in the history and deeds of your God-loving Ukrainian people!” His Beatitude Sviatoslav concluded his prayer.
At the end of the Liturgy, His Beatitude Sviatoslav congratulated the fathers and brothers of the Studite Order on the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He also congratulated Br. Hypatius Senkovsky, OSBM, on the occasion of his 50th anniversary and presented him with a Patriarchal diploma. Additionally, the Head of the Church expressed his gratitude to the numerous pilgrims who came to the Holy Dormition Univ Lavra to pray together. His Beatitude Sviatoslav paid special tribute to the fathers, mothers, women, and children who lost their relatives in the war.
“Today we had a special prayer for you. I promise that your mother Church will never leave you. The Mother Church always embraces her children, not only when we all feel good and cheerful, but also when times are especially difficult,” said the Primate. “It is for you that we have placed this prayer in the hands and heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who ascends to heaven on the Feast of the Assumption.”
The UGCC Department for Information
