His Beatitude Sviatoslav Expresses Condolences to the Polish People Following the Terrorist Attack in Kraków
His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, expressed his condolences to Archbishop Tadeusz Wojda, President of the Polish Bishops’ Conference, and to the Polish people following the terrorist attack that took place on November 7 in Kraków’s Main Market Square. Six people were killed and 16 others injured. The Head of the UGCC assured them of his prayers for the deceased, the injured, and their loved ones, and expressed the solidarity of Ukrainian Greek Catholics with the Polish people.
A memorial ceremony for the victims in Kraków’s Main Market Square. Photo: Wojtek Radwański/AFP.
In his letter, the Primate shared that he had learned of the tragedy while in Canada. “Deeply moved and profoundly saddened, I would like to express my solidarity with Your Eminence,” wrote His Beatitude Sviatoslav.
On behalf of the Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, the clergy, and the faithful, His Beatitude Sviatoslav expressed his condolences to the Polish bishops and the entire Polish people over the deaths of innocent people—both those who tragically lost their lives in Kraków’s Main Market Square and members of the attacker’s family—his father, mother, and sister—whose bodies were found in their home in the city of Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski. He also assured them of his unceasing prayers for the deceased and for all those grieving this loss.
“We lift up our prayers to the Lord of all consolation, asking Him to grant eternal rest to the departed, welcome them into His presence, and soothe the pain of their grieving loved ones.”
The Head of the Church also mentioned the police officers who risked their health and lives to stop the attacker and protect passersby.
“The bond between our Churches and peoples is forged not only by geography and history, but also by our shared Christian faith and mutual pastoral care. Therefore, at this difficult time, we wish to assure the Polish people of our solidarity. Our communities in Ukraine and throughout the world stand shoulder to shoulder with you in prayerful solidarity,” the Patriarch emphasized.
In closing, he prayed that Jesus Christ would heal the wounds of the residents of Kraków and all those who share in their pain, and that, through the intercession of the Mother of God, Queen of Poland, and Saint Faustina, He would grant the Polish people strength and endurance.
“I remain in fraternal solidarity with Your Eminence and with deep respect in Christ the Lord,” affirmed the Head of the UGCC.
The UGCC Department for Information
