The Head of the UGCC in Week 220 of the War: We Feel Our People Growing Stronger Together
The “First of December” initiative serves as a kind of spiritual and moral compass that helps to affirm the independence, sovereignty, and unity of our people. This was stated by His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, in his traditional video address on the 220th week of the full-scale Russian invasion into peaceful Ukraine.
The Primate noted with sorrow that during this time, we continue to count the days and nights of the war, and once again mourn the numerous victims of this aggression and the new destruction caused by it. Pain, tears, and grief are once again sweeping across Ukraine.
The Head of the Church said that last week began with a heartening event: nearly 200 of our defenders were released from Russian captivity and returned to their families and homes.
Another significant event took place this week: “During a meeting between the heads of Ukraine’s Christian churches and intellectuals, scholars, and human rights activists, the ‘First of December’ Initiative Group resumed its work. This is a unique group of people who have been striving to serve as the voice of the Ukrainian people’s conscience for over 15 years.”
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Video Message of the Head of the UGCC on the 220th Week of the Full-Scale War, May 3, 2026
“The name of this group is no coincidence. On December 1, 1991, a nationwide referendum was held in which over 90 percent of citizens—from Crimea, Donbas, the Center, the East, the South, and the West—voted for Ukraine’s independence,” the spiritual leader recalled.
“We feel,” remarked His Beatitude Sviatoslav, “how our people are coming together, how a sense of responsibility for Ukraine’s future is maturing in various institutions, civic organizations, and intellectual circles. We thank the Lord God for this moment of unity, solidarity, and togetherness. Let the world know: Ukraine stands. Ukraine fights. Ukraine prays!”
