Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Week 211 of the War: We Are Called to Three Spiritual Disciplines — Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving
We continue on the Lenten journey, beginning the second week of this blessed time. I wish to remind you that during this period we are called to three spiritual disciplines: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church said this in the 211th week of the full-scale war launched by Russia against Ukraine four years ago.
This week was dedicated to commemorating the tragic date of February 24, 2022.
The Primate noted that in the capitals across Europe and around the world, there were significant actions in support of Ukraine — actions of solidarity with the Ukrainian people, who have become victims of unjust aggression: “Today we have a good opportunity to express our gratitude to the entire world community, which in one way or another condemns the aggressor and stands in solidarity with Ukraine. We thank everyone who, remembering the tragic events of four years ago, is considering what concrete steps must be taken to stop the war in Ukraine. The memory of the beginning of these tragic events prompts us to take concrete and decisive action to end this sacrilegious war as soon as possible.”
During these days, we also honored the Heroes of Ukraine—our soldiers, young men and women who gave their lives for their homeland.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav noted that significant and symbolic events occurred this week in the Vatican and in the Eternal City: “On February 24, we prayed for Ukraine at the Ukrainian Cathedral of Saints Sergius and Bacchus in Rome together with the Ukrainian community in Italy, representatives of the diplomatic corps to the Holy See, and many friends. The Vatican Postal and Philatelic Service issued a special stamp and commemorative envelope dedicated to key anniversary events in the life of our Church, recalling both its martyrdom and its growth. This event gave us the opportunity to speak to the whole world, referring to the history of the Kyiv Metropolia…”
In this way, the Head of the Church emphasized that Pope Leo XIV and the Holy See showed their closeness and support for our martyred Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.
Read also:
Video Message of the Head of the UGCC on the 211th Week of the Full-Scale War, March 1, 2026
His Beatitude Sviatoslav called on everyone to devote more time to prayer — a living conversation with God: “Let us renew this desire for God — to seek Him above all else in our lives. Then our prayer will become genuine, fruitful, and authentic. Fasting is also a purification of our senses. An integral part of fasting is almsgiving. Let us share what we have and who we are with our brothers and sisters in need, especially in times of war. We see that almsgiving saves lives.”
The spiritual leader wished everyone a fruitful, blessed, and holy time of repentance, conversion to God, confession, and deep spiritual life this week.
The UGCC Department for Information
