The Head of the UGCC in Week 226 of the War: We Are Grateful to Pope Leo XIV, Who Calls for an End to This Sacrilegious War
“We are grateful to Pope Leo XIV, who consistently emphasizes the need for international pressure on Russia and calls for an end to this senseless and sacrilegious war, particularly through diplomatic means.” This was stated by the Father and Head of the UGCC in his traditional video address during the 226th week of the great war, known as Russia’s full-scale invasion of peaceful Ukrainian territory.
Meeting between His Beatitude Sviatoslav and His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, May 14, 2025
His Beatitude Sviatoslav noted that 1,569 days have passed since the outbreak of the full-scale invasion and that Russian aggression against Ukraine has now entered its twelfth year.
“This is already longer than World War I lasted. However, in terms of its cruelty, the intensity of hostilities, and the use of advanced weaponry, this war—which is, in essence, a colonial war in third-millennium Europe—surpasses many of the horrors of the last century,” he emphasized.
According to the Primate, the past week has once again brought Ukraine much pain, suffering, bloodshed, and tears. Fighting continues to intensify along the entire front line, yet the Russian aggressor has failed to achieve either strategic or tactical success.
“We once again express our deep gratitude to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, our defenders on the front lines, who hold back the enemy every day and ensure a safe living space for the civilian population,” he said.
The Head of the Church drew attention to the return of Ukrainian prisoners during the 75th prisoner exchange, which took place on June 5. On that occasion, Ukraine secured the return of 186 of its citizens—one civilian and 185 military personnel.
“Over the course of this week, I have received many letters of gratitude. People are especially grateful to Pope Leo XIV because many of those whose names I had previously handed over to the Holy Father on the lists of prisoners returned home this week. I would like to convey words of gratitude from the wives, mothers, and children who have been waiting for their loved ones,” the Patriarch noted.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav described the Holy Father’s blessing of the ambulances—which will be sent from Spain to Ukraine to save lives—as a special sign of solidarity.
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The Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church Joins Worldwide Prayer for Peace in Ukraine Organized Under the auspices of the World Council of Churches
At the same time, the Primate noted that approximately 7,000 Ukrainian prisoners of war remain in Russian captivity, nearly 20,000 people are officially listed as missing in action, and about 70,000 people are searching for their missing relatives.
“This is the unspeakable pain of thousands of Ukrainian families, which we bring before God every day in the prayers of our Church,” he said.
The Head of the UGCC also thanked the World Council of Churches for holding a global prayer initiative for peace in Ukraine on June 11.
“Bishops, pastors, and faithful from various Churches and denominations around the world—from Australia, the Philippines, Argentina, African countries, North America, Asia, and Europe—prayed together with us. This prayer became the voice of the children of Christ’s Church, who with one heart implored an end to this sacrilegious war,” emphasized His Beatitude Sviatoslav.
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Address by the Head of the UGCC for the 226th Week of the Full-Scale War, June 14, 2026
On All Saints’ Day of the Ukrainian People, the Primate called on the faithful to reflect on the history of holiness in Ukraine and to remember those who have been beacons of faith since the Baptism of Rus’-Ukraine.
“All the saints of the Ukrainian people—whether they lived on their native soil or in the diaspora around the world—are praying for our people today. They remind us that holiness in times of war is not only a challenge but also a calling for every Christian,” emphasized His Beatitude Sviatoslav.
The UGCC Department for Information
