The Synod Outlined the Situation of Ukrainian Refugee Families: Over 6.9 Million Ukrainians Now Seek Asylum Worldwide
On July 1, the second day of the Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Rome, the main theme—”Pastoral Care for Families in Wartime”—was presented. Yuriy Pidlisnyy, deputy head of the Patriarchal Commission on Family and Laity, briefed the bishops on the situation of Ukrainian refugees in the European Union and North America.
As of April 2025, more than 6.9 million Ukrainians remain displaced due to Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine. This means that one in eight Ukrainian families has been forced to leave their homeland in search of safety. Most—approximately 6.3 million—have found refuge in European countries where the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church maintains an active parish network.
According to Yuriy Pidlisnyy’s report, 90 % of Ukrainian refugees are women and children, as men either remain to defend the country or are unable to leave due to mobilization restrictions. However, recent data indicate a gradual increase in the number of men reuniting with their families abroad, especially as the conflict stabilizes in some regions.
The largest Ukrainian refugee communities have formed in Germany (1.18 million), Poland (995,000), the Czech Republic (398,000), the United Kingdom (over 200,000), and the United States (170,000).
Bishop Bohdan Dzyurakh, Apostolic Exarch in Germany and Scandinavia
A growing concern is that fewer refugees plan to return home. While two-thirds of refugees initially hoped to return soon, by mid-2024 only one-quarter are still considering a return to Ukraine. Many are now thinking about settling permanently abroad.
Among the main motivations for those still hoping to return are family reunification (56 %), the desire to resume normal life (56 %), and a commitment to help rebuild Ukraine (47 %).
Still, only 12 % of refugees have gone back so far, which makes it harder for the Church to plan its pastoral work.
Mr. Pidlisnyy also discussed the religious identity of Ukrainian migrants. Most are Christians—primarily Orthodox, followed by Greek and Roman Catholics.
“In general, Ukrainian refugee families usually consist of a mother and one or more children,” he said, “who have endured the trauma of war but remain hopeful, striving for stability and focusing on their children’s future. Their expectations revolve around safety, education, and family unity, while their dreams are increasingly split between building a decent life abroad and returning to help rebuild Ukraine—should conditions allow.”
He also noted that these families maintain strong ties to their homeland: over 90 % actively follow Ukrainian news, and many children continue their education through Ukrainian online schools.
The Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church is being held at the Ukrainian Papal College of St. Josaphat in Rome from June 30 to July 10. The main theme is “Pastoral Care for Families in Wartime.” This year’s Synod opened on June 29 with a Holy Mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. A day earlier, on June 28, the bishops of the UGCC took part in a jubilee pilgrimage to the tomb of the Apostle Peter.
The UGCC Department for Information
