“Ukraine Stands Firm Because of Its Faith in God,” UGCC Head to Pontifical Synod Members in Vatican City
Addressing the members of the Pontifical Synod in the Vatican, His Beatitude Sviatoslav spoke about the situation in Ukraine and thanked the Catholic world for its solidarity and commitment to the Ukrainian people. “Ukraine is tired and exhausted, though it is unbreakable and withstands because it believes in God,” said the Head of the UGCC.
On October 2–27, the Vatican hosts the Pontifical Synod titled “For the Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission.” The delegates of the UGCC consist of His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the UGCC, Bishop Bohdan Dzyurakh, Apostolic Exarch in Germany and Scandinavia, and Bishop Teodor Martyniuk, Auxiliary Bishop of the Ternopil-Zboriv Archeparchy.
In his address to the delegates from different countries gathered at the Pontifical Synod, His Beatitude Sviatoslav outlined the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, “which in the third year of the war is confronting Russian aggression through Christian solidarity.” He recalled that 4 million Ukrainians were forced to flee their homes, with 6 million leaving the country, and of the four missiles launched at Ukraine, Russia directs every third one towards civilian objects, “systematically destroying our infrastructure and provoking new waves of refugees.” “We are facing the gravest humanitarian situation since the Second World War,” the Primate emphasized.
Regarding synodality, His Beatitude Sviatoslav noted the exchange of gifts between Churches, cultures and peoples. “It concerns not some abstract idea, rather a concrete Christian solidarity that saves lives,” said the Head of the UGCC and thanked the representatives of the Churches from different countries for their solidarity and hospitality to Ukrainians. “By accepting our women and children, you receive as a gift the best part of our society,” said His Beatitude Sviatoslav.
The 5th General Congregation of the Pontifical Synod was attended by His Holiness Pope Francis. Overall, the Synod is attended by 368 delegates, including 272 bishops and representatives of other Churches. At the conclusion of the Synod, participants will vote on a document that will be presented to the Holy Father as the fruit of the synodal work.
Secretariat of the UGCC Head in Rome
