In Kharkiv region, the first thing soldiers asked me for was Confession and reconciliation with God: Head of the UGCC in the 74th week of war
Wherever the murderous hand of the Russians reaches, there is death, destruction, and rage. Where a Ukrainian soldier comes, there is a realm of life, peace, and victory, stated the Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church on the 74th week of Russian occupiers’ full-scale invasion of peaceful Ukrainian land.
The Head of the UGCC noted that this Sunday, tens of thousands of Ukrainians from different parts of Ukraine and overseas came to Zarvanytsia for the All-Ukrainian pilgrimage to bring their wounds, tears, pain, and suffering, as well as prayers for their sons, husbands, daughters who are dying on the war fields of Ukraine, to the Mother of God of Zarvanytsia — prayers for our destroyed cities and villages.
“Standing in prayer before the Zarvanytsia miraculous icon, we say again: Ukraine stands! Ukraine is fighting! Ukraine prays!” he emphasized.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav said that on his way to Zarvanytsia, he would visit UGCC communities, towns, and villages from Volyn to Chernihiv, Poltava to Kharkiv.
“Looking into the eyes, into the faces of the sons and daughters of Ukraine, listening to the elders, women, children, our soldiers, I was fascinated to see how life pulsates in the body of the Ukrainian people, and even the wounded Chernihiv and Kharkiv regions are filled with life and hope; how Ukrainian Kharkiv, literally 40 kilometers from the Russian border, lives like in a large beehive,” the spiritual leader said.
“I had the opportunity to visit our soldiers in Kharkiv region who are recuperating from injuries at the front. I was astounded by their first request. Our soldiers and officers asked for the Holy Sacrament of Confession, reconciliation with God. I saw the tears of a soldier who said to me: ‘Your Excellency, I have not been to confession for six months.’ I hardly imagine if there is anywhere else in the world such an army and defenders who feel so deeply the need to be reconciled with God before facing death. For only those reconciled with God can be a warrior who defends and builds peace,” the Primate said.
The UGCC Department for Information
