I am confident that everyone will return stronger from this Christmas gathering: Head of the UGCC at Prosphora with the Patriarch
On January 13, Kyiv hosted the traditional charity event Prosphora with the Patriarch. The event, with the participation of the Father and Head of the UGCC, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Bishops Yosyf Milian, and Andriy Khimyak, and numerous guests, took place at the International Exhibition Center near the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ. The funds raised will be donated to the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav congratulated those present at the event on Christmas, emphasizing that during this holiday, God enters human history. “God is present today in human history, but through us.” Continuing, he said, “As we celebrate Christmas, we become partakers of this incarnation of God, and through our interactions, we extend His presence in this world.”
The Patriarch emphasized that this Christmas meeting is paramount, particularly in celebrating the second Christmas during the war. “When we witness tragedies, tears, and death every day, we, Christians, must project hope, live and share it. And every time we come together, this sacrament of the Christmas meeting is a moment of sharing our strength and resilience. The Christmas meeting is a moment when we enkindle each other. It is a space where the Lord God is present and invigorates us. I am convinced that each of you will return from this Christmas Prosphora stronger, full of heavenly power to overcome the one who brings death successfully.”
After several years in an online format, this year’s “Prosphora with the Patriarch” provided philanthropists with an opportunity to meet and communicate with the Head of the UGCC in person, as well as with each other. “Let us find comfort in each other’s presence, as it is a manifestation of God Himself among us. And if God is with us, who can be against us? If we can celebrate Christmas in times of war, then we not only have a chance but also the strength to win,” said His Beatitude Sviatoslav.
After exchanging greetings and extending wishes, the Head of the UGCC blessed the Christmas prosphora, along with honey and other dishes served to all those present. He then moved among the festive tables, talking to all the guests.
On that day, the National Honored Bandura Choir of Ukraine, named after Heorhiy Maiboroda, the “Virly” National and Spiritual Song Choir from Lviv, and a youth group from Dolyna, Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, caroled the participants of “Prosphora with the Patriarch”.
The UGCC Department for Information
