The Head of the UGCC in Week 243 of the War: Among All Social Institutions, It Is the Family in Ukraine That Is Faces Perhaps the Greatest Trials
The voice of the Ukrainian family—just like the voice of the Ukrainian Church, which cherishes family values and stands by families through the horrors of war—has been heard around the world. His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, spoke about this in a video address during the 243 rd week of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.
At the same time, we remember that Russia’s aggression against our country has been raging for more than 12 years.
The Primate noted that the past week had been particularly cruel: “We saw our peaceful cities and villages burning. Having suffered setbacks on the battlefield, the Russians continue to terrorize the civilian population day and night. On October 7, the enemy launched one of the most ruthless attacks on Ukraine—22 people were killed in a missile strike in Pryluky, Chernihiv Oblast. And on October 8, Russian troops attacked passenger buses in Kramatorsk, Donetsk Oblast, killing 33 people.
“Seeing the bloodshed, destruction, pain, and tears, we feel particularly acutely how deeply Ukrainian families have been wounded. That is precisely why they need special attention, care, and support,” said His Beatitude Sviatoslav.
Yet despite all the trials, the wounded Ukrainian family remains the hope of our society. And on behalf of Ukrainian families, we once again want to proclaim to the whole world: Ukraine stands! Ukraine fights! Ukraine prays!
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Address by the Head of the UGCC for the 243rd Week of the Full-Scale War, October 11, 2026
The Head of the Church shared that an important event for the universal community was taking place in the Vatican: His Holiness Leo XIV had invited all the heads of the Eastern Catholic Churches and the presidents of the Episcopal Conferences from around the world to a special meeting. The primary focus of the Church is the pastoral care of the family.
“It was particularly moving,” said the spiritual leader, “for everyone to hear the voice of Ukraine. We had the opportunity to speak about the deep wounds inflicted on Ukrainian families by the war. Among all social institutions, it is the family in Ukraine that faces perhaps the greatest trials, and therefore it needs care, support, and assistance to heal these wounds.”
His Beatitude Sviatoslav expressed his gratitude to all who show solidarity with Ukrainians and are ready to extend a helping hand in these critical and dangerous circumstances.
He also expressed special gratitude to His Holiness Leo XIV for his concern for the pastoral care of the family.
The UGCC Department for Information
