Russia uses diabolical tactics to destroy not only human life but also those who serve it: Head of UGCC on the 112th week of war
The Russians have adopted a new tactic — the destruction of our civilian population. They are striking double blows against the cities and villages of Ukraine. This statement was made by the Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, on the 112th week of Russia’s full-scale invasion of peaceful Ukrainian land, although we are mindful that the war has been going on for 11 years.
“Our men and women on the frontline are heroically defending their land and have managed not only to stabilize the frontline but also to stop the Russian offensive,” he said.
The Primate characterized this week as a week of massive enemy attacks on the cities and villages of Ukraine.
According to him, our enemies know that after they strike or hit, our medics and rescuers immediately arrive at the scene. What do these perpetrators do next? They repeat their attacks. Thus, our emergency workers and doctors are killed while heroically saving civilian lives.
“What a vicious, insidious, diabolical tactic to destroy not only human life, but also those who serve it!” the Head of the Church emphasized and continued: “Therefore, today we wish to extend our special gratitude to our rescuers, medics, paramedics — all those who continue to fulfill their professional duty at the risk of their own lives. We are also grateful to our power engineers who are tirelessly eliminating the consequences of Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure. Thanks to the heroism of our military, the professionalism and dedication of our medical workers and the selfless service of all other representatives of the services of our cities and villages, we can declare today: Ukraine stands, Ukraine fights, Ukraine prays!”.
This Sunday marks the core of Lent and is called the Sunday of the Veneration of the Holy Cross.
“By kissing the wounds of our crucified Savior,” says His Beatitude Sviatoslav, “we seem to gain life-giving power from Him. Blood and water continue to flow from His pierced ribs — the Sacraments of Christ’s Church, which revive all those who are wounded today and look into the face of death every day.”
“Therefore, for the crucified Ukraine, the precious and life-giving Cross of the Lord serves as a source of resilience, the ability to follow Christ and win with Him—to overcome sin and death and to carry life and resurrection,” the head said.
The spiritual leader remarks that it is no coincidence that the Cross of the Lord has become a symbol of victory for the Ukrainian army. The birch cross held significant symbolism for our Sich Riflemen, who fought for Ukrainian independence after the First World War. When we lay to rest our contemporary heroes, we place a cross upon their graves, signifying that a victor in God resides within that tomb.
“We are confident that our heroes will experience resurrection, as all who believe in the Risen Lord will partake in His and their own resurrection. Hence, it is crucial for our statesmen and leaders to ensure that the Cross of the Lord is present at the graves of our heroes,” summarized the Head of the Church.
The UGCC Department for Information
