“Ukrainian mother, may the smile come back to your beautiful mother’s face!” — His Beatitude Sviatoslav on Mother’s Day
The Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, congratulated Ukrainian mothers on Mother’s Day, traditionally celebrated in Ukraine on the second Sunday of May despite the war.
In his welcoming remarks, the Primate emphasized that Mother’s Day in a time of war is an exceptional opportunity to pay tribute to those who give us life — our mothers.
The Head of the UGCC said the Ukrainian mother was particularly wounded during the war.
“Wounded motherhood during the war is a special moment when we all want to express our respect for Ukrainian mothers and be there for them. Especially on this day, we want to thank all those mothers who fearlessly accepted motherhood’s burdens. Furthermore, all those who were open to God to accept the gift of new life,” he said.
“Today,” says His Beatitude Sviatoslav, “we want to pray especially for mothers who are worried about the lives of their children where this life is most at risk: in the occupied territories, where hostilities take place.”
“Today we especially pray for and congratulate the mothers who have found themselves far from their homeland to save the lives and future of their children. Today we especially embrace the mothers who have lost their children in this terrible, vicious war. Today we embrace those mothers who are crying, mourning their killed son or daughter. Today we want to embrace those mothers who know their son or daughter is in enemy captivity. We especially want to hug those mothers who have received the terrible news that their child is missing. We congratulate all of you, dear mothers, on this day,” said the Father and Head of the UGCC.
At the end of his greetings, His Beatitude Sviatoslav consecrated all mothers under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to whom May is mainly dedicated. “Dear Ukrainian mother, may God bless you with every good thing and health! May the smile come back to your beautiful mother’s face,” said the Head of the UGCC with profound sentiment.
The UGCC Department for Information
