“Nurture a Personal Friendship with the Lord Jesus”: The Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church Addresses the Youth
The Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, which took place at the Marian Spiritual Center “Zarvanytsia,” devoted special attention to pastoral care of vocations to the priesthood and religious life. In their message, the bishops urged young people not to be afraid of God’s call, but to discern His voice through prayer, the life of the Church, and a personal relationship with Christ.
“The Holy Spirit always enriches the Church with workers in God’s vineyard, even in the most trying times. One need only be open to the gift of vocation, seek this gift, and pray unceasingly: ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out laborers into his harvest’ (Mt 9:37–38),” the document reads.
At the same time, the Synod of Bishops emphasizes that a vocation in the Church is both a great gift and a great responsibility. It requires openness, a spirit of listening, spiritual sensitivity, and the ability to discern God’s voice in the depths of one’s heart.
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“Follow me!” (Mark 2:14). Pastoral Letter of the 2026 Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church
“To respond properly to this call, we must nurture our love for Christ and His Church, be ready to become instruments in God’s hands, and be open to various forms of ministry. Pray and work on yourselves; grow in virtue; and, through your words and deeds, help others draw closer to God.”
Addressing young people, the bishops called on them to be open to God’s plan, to flourish in virtue, to actively participate in the life of Christian communities, and not to lose faith in the Lord even amid the trials of war.
“As you face personal, family, or societal struggles, especially amid the trials of the current war, nurture your personal friendship with the Lord Jesus, finding in Him support, comfort, and guidance for your life,” the bishops urged.
The UGCC Department for Information
