“Memory and Gratitude — Two Words That Strike Our Hearts Today,” Head of the UGCC During a Moleben for Peace in Ukraine
On February 24, 2026, marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, led a Moleben for peace in Ukraine at the Cathedral of Saints Sergius and Bacchus and the Icon of Our Lady of Zhyrovychi in Rome.
Concelebrating with the Head of the Church were Bishop Hryhoriy Komar, Apostolic Administrator of the Apostolic Exarchate for Ukrainians of the Byzantine Rite in Italy; Bishop Iryney Bilyk, Bishop Emeritus and Canon of the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore; as well as clergy of the Exarchate.
A large Ukrainian community, together with representatives of the diplomatic corps — including the ambassadors of Ukraine and Lithuania to the Holy See — joined in prayer for peace in Ukraine.
“We commemorate this tragic anniversary — the fourth year that today recalls the beginning of the full-scale war in Ukraine. On this day, two words resonate in our hearts: memory and gratitude,” said His Beatitude Sviatoslav in his homily.
Addressing those present, the Primate shared his personal memories of the morning of February 24, 2022:
“I remember how we came to the cathedral to understand what we could and should do. From the right bank of the Dnipro, we saw Kyiv in flames. Through my tears, a song came to mind: ‘How can I not love you, my Kyiv? How can I not love you, Kyiv, burning from Russian strikes, missiles, and tanks?’”
He compared his emotions to the lament of the prophet Jeremiah over the destruction of Jerusalem and emphasized that the first step in those moments was celebrating the Divine Liturgy together in a shelter:
“There we realized that we had not been abandoned by God — Jesus was present with His people in the Eucharist.”
The Head of the Church emphasized that this memory becomes “deuteronomic” — a law for the present:
“This memory of tragedy and heroism becomes a law, a rule for our life today. It is a law that guides and commands us: to defend our homeland, to defend human life in Ukraine, and to move forward, trusting that good will always triumph over evil. From that very first moment, we knew that Ukraine would prevail.”
His Beatitude Sviatoslav named gratitude as the second crucial word.
“Today, we give thanks to God and to the heroes of Ukraine who defended us not only on February 24, 2022, but who have continued to do so day and night throughout these four difficult years.”
The Primate expressed particular gratitude to the international community, diplomats, and Ukrainians in Italy, whose support, prayers, and tireless work help Ukraine remain strong.
“Today, I am grateful to all Ukrainians in Italy who fight for Ukraine’s victory in your own way: through prayer, work, the witness of your Christian life, and every donation you make to support the Ukrainian army, volunteers, charitable initiatives, and the ministry of our Church.”
A plea for a just peace for Ukraine — “not merely an agreement among the powerful of this world, but a space for life where people can have a secure future” — resounded throughout the prayers of the day.
“We know that the root cause of war is human sin. People start wars and then become enslaved by this demon, which destroys even those who unleashed it. But we know that the One who brings an end to war and sin is our God and Savior. Therefore, today we pray: ‘God, great and one, protect Ukraine!’” prayed the Father and Head of the UGCC in conclusion.
The UGCC Department for InformationPhoto: Secretariat of the Head of the UGCC in Rome
