“I ask you to safeguard Ukraine’s greatest treasure—faith in God,” Head of the UGCC to the Ukrainian community in Berlin
On September 9, 2024, the Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, visited St. Nicholas Parish in Berlin as part of his working visit to Germany. The meeting with the Ukrainian community was also attended by Bishop Bohdan Dzyurakh, Apostolic Exarch of Germany and Scandinavia.
After the communal prayer, His Beatitude had the opportunity to speak with parishioners, discussing the current situation in Ukraine, where the people remain steadfast in their faith and are fighting for a just peace.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav expressed his eagerness to meet with the Ukrainian community during his journey to Germany, stating: “This is a special, God-given moment to be together.”
“I came here to share the hope that Ukraine possesses,” said the Patriarch.
His Beatitude emphasized the purpose of his visit to Germany, highlighting the importance of keeping Ukraine on the agenda not only for the German government but also for the Catholic Church in Germany and civil society. He also shared his impressions from the meeting with Archbishop Heiner Koch of Berlin, which took place the day before.
The Father and Head of the UGCC expressed gratitude for the active civic engagement and volunteer efforts of the UGCC parish in Berlin, acknowledging their significant contributions to Ukraine’s victory. His Beatitude particularly praised the parish’s ongoing charity events and initiatives, which benefit both the Ukrainian military and those affected by the war.
“You are one of the most active parishes. On behalf of all those who have received your help in Ukraine, I want to thank you today,” he said, adding, “I also thank you for ensuring that the blue and yellow flag is always present in your campaigns.”
In conclusion, the Head of the Church called on the parishioners to remember and cherish their culture, to resist assimilation, and to preserve Ukraine’s greatest treasure—faith: “Love what is native, honor your rich culture, and most importantly, I ask you to safeguard the greatest treasure of our country. That treasure is faith,” His Beatitude Sviatoslav said, bestowing his episcopal blessing on the Ukrainian community in Berlin.
On September 9, 2024, the Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, began his working visit to the German capital, Berlin. The visit will continue until September 11.
The UGCC Department for Information
