His Beatitude Sviatoslav invites Ukrainian youth, on whose shoulders the entire burden of the war fell, to the Wind of Hope in Krakow
Dear girls and boys, every year in September, we organize a meeting of young people, Wind of Hope. Since we live by hope, which is the first fruit of our faith in God. This year, such a meeting will happen on September 17–18 in Krakow, Poland. You are all invited to this event. Let the wind of hope drive the spirit of hostile intention away from Ukraine and give our youth the prospect of a new free life in their Motherland.
The Father and Head of the UGCC, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, said this in his daily military address on the 194th day of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
In his address, the Head of the UGCC traditionally talked about the situation at the front. “According to the reports we receive from the Ukrainian authorities,” said the Primate, “since the beginning of the war, 3,500 rockets have been fired over Ukraine. This is an absolute record in the history of modern wars.
More than 7,000 civilians died, and 5,500 were injured. It is only according to official data. In reality, these numbers are much higher. Almost a third of the population of Ukraine became either refugees or forcibly displaced persons. The world has no right to get used to this war. It is an open wound of modern humanity. Let us pray together for modern humanity to be able to overcome this war!”
On this day, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, convinced that Ukraine would win, continued to think about how to make reasonable conclusions and lessons even from this dramatic war. He invited the faithful to familiarize themselves with the unique document of the Catechism of the UGCC, which is called “The Public Guide of the Believer.”
The Patriarch drew attention to the fact that this document, which was adopted at the Patriarchal Council and approved by the Synod of Bishops in 2002, contains actual steps and practical instructions on how to implement the principles of wise Christian management, which we discussed in previous video messages, into personal and social life.
In his address the Primate also spoke about faith, asserting that our faith is not a private matter that we can only talk about at home behind closed doors. “We must act in society following the principles of our faith. To have the strength to do this, one must be free from sin and live in God’s grace,” added the Head of the UGCC.
In today’s address, His Beatitude Sviatoslav appealed to the Ukrainian youth. “Dear brothers and sisters, now it is on your shoulders that the entire burden of this war has fallen. It is Ukrainian youth who are now protecting our Motherland. She chooses the right to exist for a free, independent Ukraine. And that is why care for Ukrainian youth is the focus of the pastoral ministry of our Church,” the Primate assured.
He also noted that one of the most significant moments in life is to discern the way of living — to prepare oneself for a marriage or consecrated virginity and Church wishes to help young people in making their choice by turning to an advisor, a spiritual father.
Therefore, His Beatitude Sviatoslav invited young people to participate in the annual meeting of young people Wind of Hope which will take place in Krakow, Poland, already this month — on September 17–18.
The UGCC Department for Information
