The Head of the UGCC in Week 223 of the War: “The Mother Church, Bleeding Herself, Never Ceases to Care for Her Children Throughout the World”
“Everywhere we went, we heard words of support and solidarity with Ukraine. We saw how Ukrainians in Spain are flocking to their Church, in need of proper pastoral care.” This was emphasized by His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, in his traditional video address during the 223 rd week of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The Primate reflected on the past week, which was marked by painful large-scale attacks on Ukraine and a landmark missionary visit to Spain.
Speaking about the situation on the front lines, His Beatitude Sviatoslav noted that with the arrival of warmer weather, the intensity of hostilities has increased along almost the entire front line: “Every day, Russian troops carry out up to 200 attacks in various directions. At the same time, in this fierce struggle, the enemy suffers enormous losses every day—approximately a thousand soldiers.”
The Head of the UGCC emphasized: “Our Motherland and our people inspire with their resilience and courage. Therefore, we thank the Lord God and the Armed Forces of Ukraine for allowing us to survive another week.”
A significant event of the week was the Primate’s visit to Spain and Andorra. His Beatitude Sviatoslav visited the central and northern regions of Spain, where he met with monastics, bishops, priests, and laypeople. “We saw how Ukrainians in Spain are flocking to their Church, in need of proper pastoral care. They have integrated well into local society, mastered Spanish, Catalan, and other languages, while preserving their spiritual and liturgical traditions. A living connection with the Mother Church is extremely important to them,” said the spiritual leader of the Ukrainians.
The week culminated in a solemn pilgrimage to Madrid’s cathedral, where faithful from across Spain gathered for prayer. Today, 36 UGCC priests serve in 78 parishes and mission stations throughout the country. “The Mother Church, which is herself bleeding, never ceases to care for her children throughout the world, especially in Spain,” emphasized His Beatitude Sviatoslav.
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Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church during Pilgrimage to Madrid: “Ukraine Will Win, Because Its People Know How to Love”
The Primate noted that, according to the Eastern liturgical calendar, Ukraine celebrated the Ascension of the Lord this week, marking the beginning of the Decade of Mission—10 days of preparation for the Descent of the Holy Spirit.
“In these difficult times of war, many people in Ukraine are seeking the voice of Christ’s Gospel, the Word of God, and God’s power. Suffering opens hearts to conversion and to an encounter with the living God who speaks through His Church,” emphasized the Head of the UGCC. Therefore, all parishes are collecting donations for the Missionary Fund to support priests and new parishes, especially in Central, Eastern, and Southern Ukraine.
Read also:
Address by the Head of the UGCC for the 223rd Week of the Full-Scale War, May 24, 2026
In conclusion, His Beatitude Sviatoslav commemorated Ukrainian Heroes’ Day, observed on May 23, and welcomed the beginning of the repatriation of the remains of Ukrainian freedom fighters from abroad. “We thank the Lord God for the gift of striving for freedom, truth, and justice, with which He inspires our people,” said the Primate.
The UGCC Department for Information
