His Beatitude Sviatoslav Explains Why the Church Does Not Interrupt Divine Services During the Moment of Silence
The nationwide minute of silence is a time when we are called to pause from our earthly affairs, remember those who gave their lives for Ukraine, and stand before God in prayer. Even during a minute of silence, a believer does not remain silent—they pray and remember those thanks to whom we are alive today. This was stated by His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, in a Christmas interview broadcast on Suspilne.
Explaining the Church’s position on the nationwide minute of silence, the Primate emphasized that this initiative originated “from below” and was supported by civil society.
“We are not interrupting divine services,” said His Beatitude Sviatoslav. “It is precisely during divine services that the minute of silence is observed in the deepest and most complete way: together with the entire nation, we stand before God in silent prayer and pray for those who gave their lives for their homeland.”
The Head of the UGCC emphasized that at this moment, the Church is united with the entire Ukrainian people in shared memory, gratitude, and prayer for the fallen defenders of Ukraine.
The UGCC Department for Information
