“The 250th anniversary of the Barbareum marks the rise of the humble,” UGCC Head in Vienna
The Barbareum Collegium became a place of European integration for the Ukrainian people and our Church 250 years ago. From being a peripheral phenomenon, Greek Catholics became co-creators of European Christian culture. We thank the Lord that it was here, in this church, 250 years ago, that He lifted up the humble—those sentenced to torment, death, and historical oblivion—and through our wounds revealed the power and glory of His love.
From here emerged a whole generation of church and national leaders who, at a time when the modern self-awareness of European nations was forming, became the voice of the Ukrainian people, expressing their interests, defending their rights and freedoms, and shaping their European cultural identity.
This was stated by the Father and Head of the UGCC, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, during his sermon at the Church of St. Barbara the Great Martyr on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the Barbareum Collegium in Vienna on Sunday, September 7, 2025. The Head of the Church was joined by bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, who opened the meeting of Eastern Catholic bishops of Europe in Vienna with this celebration. Faithful of the UGCC from various districts of Vienna, as well as from Innsbruck, Salzburg, Graz, Linz, and other parts of Austria and Liechtenstein, came for the prayer service.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav began his sermon by saying that the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church is now experiencing a special moment of unity and of God’s grace. In Vienna, he seeks to embrace the faithful and bring them words of love, unity, and solidarity from wounded Ukraine. The Primate specifically mentioned the tragedy in Kyiv: “At night, the enemy launched a record number of air strikes on Ukraine. Once again, our capital was targeted. Today, we know of at least three people who died, including an infant.”
He explained that the Gospel reading for that day (John 3:13–17) reveals the meaning of the crucifixion of God’s Son and proclaims the Gospel of love. Christ recalls an episode from the Book of Numbers (21:8–9), when the complaints of the Israelites brought punishment in the form of snakes. Through the sign of the bronze serpent, God showed the people their sin and at the same time gave them salvation: “Make a bronze snake and set it on a pole. Anyone who is bitten by a snake and looks at the bronze snake will live” (cf. Num. 21:8–9).
According to the Primate, Christ reveals the meaning of this prototype, for He Himself would be lifted up on the cross to take away our sins and reveal the power of God’s love. “To look at the Crucified One, to let the power of God’s love into your heart—this is the call Christ addresses to each of us today,” emphasized the Head of the UGCC.
He further stated that today Ukraine is crucified together with Christ: “We are bleeding and asking: God, why? Why do we, Ukrainians, have to be crucified before the eyes of the world? This question is at the heart of all Ukrainians and people of good will, believers and non-believers alike.”
According to His Beatitude Sviatoslav, the key to understanding this tragedy is the life-giving Cross of the Lord. He recalled the words of Maksym Kulyk, who lost his wife and three children in Kryvyi Rih: “The Lord God is raising Ukraine through suffering and placing our wounds before the eyes of the world. He tells everyone who wants to be on the right side of history: do not look away from the suffering, blood, and pain of Ukraine. It is through them that the Lord wants the world to see Ukrainians, our believing hearts, to see the soul of Ukraine.”
“Everyone who sympathizes with us today, who does not avert their eyes or hearts, is enveloped by the power of God’s love. In a wondrous way, we become partakers of the mystery of Christ and of the salvation of humanity. Through suffering, the Lord exalts and glorifies Ukraine,” added the Primate.
He then emphasized the significance of the Barbareum Collegium: “Why is this collegium so important? Because at a time when our Church was being destroyed in the Russian Empire, Ukrainians were receiving the highest European education and culture in Vienna. ‘He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly’ (Luke 1:52). Already 250 years ago, the Barbareum became a place of European integration for the Ukrainian people and the Church.”
Separately, His Beatitude thanked the Ukrainian community in Austria: “Thank you for not turning a blind eye to the suffering of your homeland. You are not standing on the sidelines, but are actively participating in the struggle of the Ukrainian people. You are doing what the Barbareum once did—you are Ukraine’s messengers to Europe, the voice of truth in your cities and workplaces.”
“Thank you for all the help you provide to our army and to our brothers and sisters who are suffering from this unjust war,” he added.
Concluding his sermon, His Beatitude quoted the words of the Apostle Paul: “From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear the marks of the Lord Jesus branded on my body” (Gal. 6:17). “Wounds are the door to glory! Let us sing today on this Sunday, because through the Cross, joy has come to the whole world,” urged the Head of the UGCC.
The Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church began his visit to Vienna to mark the 250th anniversary of the Barbareum. On this occasion, Ukrainian communities in Austria made a jubilee pilgrimage to the Church of St. Barbara, which holds jubilee status. The Hierarchical Liturgy, led by the Primate of the UGCC together with numerous bishops and clergy on Sunday, September 7, was the centerpiece of the event. After the service, patriarchal letters were presented to the clergy and parishioners of St. Barbara’s Church.
The UGCC Department for Information
photo credit: Yaromyr Babskyi
