The Head of the UGCC in Week 224 of the War: The Resilience of Ukrainians, Which Astonishes the World, Stems from the Spirit of Faith, Hope, and Love
Remaining human amid the inhuman circumstances of war is possible only through the power and grace of the Holy Spirit. And the resilience of Ukrainians, which amazes the world, stems precisely from Him—the Spirit of faith, hope, and love. This was stated by His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, in his traditional video address during the 224th week of Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine.
The aftermath of Russia’s heavy shelling of Kyiv on May 24, 2026. Photo: Kyiv State Emergency Service
What has been particularly painful this week is that Russia has shown no desire either to end the war or to engage in serious international diplomatic efforts to put an end to this madness. Statements about plans to intensify attacks, particularly against Kyiv, have outraged the international community. Their cynicism, noted the Head of the UGCC, astonished even diplomats in capitals around the world who seemed to have grown accustomed to such threats.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav expressed his gratitude to Pope Leo XIV for his firm condemnation of the missile strikes on Kyiv: “His words that war solves nothing have given us a ray of hope—that light will overcome darkness.”
The Head of the Church also thanked everyone who stood with Ukraine this week, as well as all those who support the Church not only with words but through their daily efforts.
This week, for the first time in history, the Permanent Synod of Bishops held its session in Madrid, Spain.
“We had the opportunity to meet with leaders of the Catholic Church, government officials, Ukrainian diplomats, and members of our community. Our faithful felt that their Mother Church, though herself bleeding, continues to care for her children throughout the world, particularly in Spain. We believe that the war will end and that the aggressor will be defeated, for death never has the final word in human history,” said the spiritual leader of the Ukrainians.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav also thanked donors, particularly Aid to the Church in Need, which supports Ukraine in Spain and helps address the humanitarian challenges caused by the war.
Read also:
Address by the Head of the UGCC for the 224th Week of the Full-Scale War, May 31, 2026
Today, in accordance with the liturgical rhythm of the Eastern Pascha, we celebrate Pentecost together with our Orthodox brothers and sisters in Ukraine—the feast of the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and the Church.
“Remaining human amid the inhuman circumstances of war is possible only through the power and grace of the Holy Spirit. And the resilience of Ukrainians, which amazes the world, stems precisely from Him—the Spirit of faith, hope, and love.”
The UGCC Departmrnt for Information
