“The Transfiguration of Ukraine is synonymous with our victory”, His Beatitude Sviatoslav at the Congress of the Laity of the Kyiv Archeparchy

On April 20, the Father and Head of the UGCC, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, took part in the Congress of the Laity of the Kyiv Archeparchy. This year’s theme focused on the transformation of Ukraine.

His Beatitude Sviatoslav noted that the laity are the greatest treasure for the Church and thanked all those present—representatives of parishes, movements, communities and organizations, and lay people working in the Kyiv Archeparchy—for participating in the congress.

According to the Patriarch, this year’s congresses of the laity, held in each eparchy of the UGCC, serve a twofold purpose: first, to prepare for the all-Ukrainian ecclesial congress of the laity, scheduled for May in Kamianets-Podilskyi; and second, to align with the Universal Church in its synodal path. The Patriarch emphasized the importance of hearing the laity, as it enables him to be their voice to the Holy Father.

The Head of the UGCC noted that this year’s congress theme, “Transfiguration of Ukraine,” is very eloquent. He emphasized that this transformation should be accomplished through hope, healing of wounds, and solidarity. “Transfiguration is nothing more than a manifestation of the deepest nature of Christ’s Church and our people,” said His Beatitude Sviatoslav.

He is convinced that the deepest meaning, the core of the Ukrainian people, is the Church of Christ, and therefore the laity. “It is vital that the laity, the believers of Ukraine, express themselves, are not afraid to say that ‘we believe in God’, are not afraid to reveal the living Christ who is present among us. Then, I promise you, a lot will change. This transfiguration of Ukraine is not something that will come from above; it is indeed a key that we have within us. Therefore, the transformation of Ukraine, for me, is one of the synonyms of our victory,” said the Primate.

He reminded us that our ability to win a war depends not only on military strength but also on how we cope with the trauma of war. The Church offers three remedies for this. Firstly, prayer provides a therapeutic space and time to be together with the source of healing. The bishop noted that Pope Francis proclaimed this year as the Year of Prayer. Secondly, the Holy Sacraments serve as another tool, and thirdly, God’s word, the Holy Scriptures. The Patriarch emphasized that healing the wounds of war is impossible without these means that Christ gave to his Church.

The Primate also mentioned solidarity as the ability to share what we have. “Solidarity revitalizes those who need healing, the power of hope, and transformation,” he said.

In conclusion, His Beatitude Sviatoslav called on those present to nominate candidates for the Pastoral Council who could become the voice of the communities. He also reminded them that the voice of our laity should be a voice of shared responsibility for their Church.