“Manifestation of Transatlantic Solidarity Between American and Ukrainian Catholics Sets an Example for Politicians — Head of the UGCC on the 161 st Week of War”
This week, a delegation of the Catholic Church from the United States came to visit us. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has a separate office to assist the Church in Eastern Europe. This Office received a new chairman, Bishop Gerald Vincke of the Diocese of Salina, Kansas. His very first decision was to travel to Ukraine with his team, specifically to Kyiv and our Patriarchal Cathedral. His Beatitude Sviatoslav, the Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, said this in his traditional video address on the 161 st week of the full-scale invasion of peaceful Ukrainian land by Russian occupiers.
“This act of transatlantic solidarity between American and Ukrainian Catholics,” emphasized the Head of the UGCC, “creates a space for life and serves as an example for politicians, diplomats, and statesmen on how to support Ukraine and build peace. That is why today we declare once again from the heart of our homeland, from the golden city of Kyiv: Ukraine stands, Ukraine fights, Ukraine prays!”
The Primate noted that this week will likely go down in history as a week in the search of peace for Ukraine at the highest international level. However, the aggressor responded to all international efforts with further escalation, launching new attacks not only along the front line but also on peaceful towns and villages across Ukraine.
The spiritual leader noted that we have completed the second week of the Lenten journey towards Christ’s Resurrection. The Holy Gospel, which we heard in our churches on the second Sunday of Lent, recounts the healing of the paralytic, which was made possible by a courageous act.
“Love for one’s neighbor, fraternal support creates a space in which the Lord God can perform miracles, in particular, He is able to raise from the bed someone who has been waiting for this moment of healing,” he said.
At the end of this week, Ukraine observed Volunteer Fighter Day. His Beatitude Sviatoslav expressed his heartfelt gratitude to those who, guided by their conscience, stood up to defend their homeland in the most difficult moment for our nation, showing in practice how to love their people and their native land.
“Let us reflect on the spiritual value of the solidarity shown by volunteer fighters. Because of these men and women, we are alive and able to pray today. Because of their love for their neighbors, the Lord God works a great miracle in the body of the Ukrainian people, renews our strength, raises us, perhaps, from the bed of despair, relaxation among many uncertain moments and grants us the light of hope,” the Patriarch called.
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Video-message of the Head of the UGCC on the 161st Week of Full-Scale War, March 16, 2025
“At the same time,” the Primate continued, “I thank our volunteers who, following their conscience, have placed their homeland at the feet of the Divine Teacher. Thanks to them, our Savior speaking speaks to us today: “Your sins are forgiven. Get up, take your bed and walk”’.
The UGCC Department for Information
