Video-message of the Head of the UGCC on the 158th Week of Full-Scale War, February 23, 2025
Glory to Jesus Christ!
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ!
The 158th week of the great war has passed. In these days, we mark a grim anniversary—the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by criminal Russian forces. Yet, we all remember that this brutal war has raged far longer, tormenting peaceful Ukrainian soil for more than a decade.
This week has been especially difficult. It brought geopolitical upheaval on the international stage and relentless Russian attacks on our towns and villages. In particular, our long-suffering Odesa endured a heavy missile and drone assault, leaving the city without heat and light in the dead of winter. But thanks to the heroism of our power engineers and rescue workers, the damage inflicted by Russia’s hand is swiftly being repaired once again.
Saving lives, restoring light, and most of all—giving hope. We are deeply grateful, above all, to our defenders—the Armed Forces of Ukraine—who, despite everything, stand firm at our eastern, southern, and northern borders with unwavering courage and resilience. This week, our prayers have been especially with our heroic Pokrovsk and Kupyansk.
Today, we proclaim once again to Ukraine and to the world: Ukraine is alive. Ukraine stands. Ukraine fights. Ukraine prays.
I extend my greetings to all of you from Toronto, Canada, where the Permanent Synod of Bishops of our Church has gathered for its regular session following a week-long mission to the United States.
This past week in Washington was a God-given moment. We stood alongside our Ukrainian community, diplomats, and friends of Ukraine in America during what may be one of the most challenging and uncertain times in international politics.
These days felt like a seismic shock—an earthquake in Washington—where a great structure collapsed, sending a cloud of uncertainty, fear, and dismay into the air. Yet, we sensed that the Lord had called us to be there, to stand with our people, to support our diplomats, to seek out Ukraine’s friends, and to engage with the minds and hearts of the new American administration.
Wherever we went, we found friends of Ukraine—from ordinary Americans to government officials. Even among the staunchest supporters of the new president’s party, we encountered attention and commitment to Ukraine. We hope that commitment will only grow.
Our mission included dozens of meetings, hours of dialogue, and interviews in Ukrainian, English, and Spanish. We engaged in deep discussions at Washington’s leading think tanks, the Catholic University of America, the Institute of Peace, and the Hudson Institute. At every opportunity, we worked to convey the truth about Ukraine—to make clear who the aggressor is and who the victim is. Once again, we explained how Russian aggression can be stopped and how a just peace can be achieved.
We repeatedly emphasized that there is no peace without truth and justice. We trust that these efforts will bear fruit. Notably, our religious delegation was the first Ukrainian group to visit the new Trump administration at the White House.
There, we met with the head of the Faith Office, who, after her appointment on February 7, welcomed our delegation as the first from Ukraine. This was yet another opportunity to advocate for our long-suffering people, knocking on every door, appealing to every heart. At the White House, we encountered a diverse range of officials—from state governors to the head of the immigration service, responsible for immigration and border security.
It was a week of tireless efforts, fighting for Ukraine’s victory on multiple fronts. It was also a week of powerful witness by the Ukrainian community in Washington. Ukrainians—both American citizens and those from Ukraine—stood together to demonstrate to the world their unwavering commitment to dignity, independence, and justice. America is listening. May the world take notice.
Moreover, for the first time in Ukraine’s history, the Verkhovna Rada has proclaimed a National Day of Prayer to mark the third anniversary of this full-scale war—a day to pray for Ukraine. We recognize this prayer as the hidden source of our nation’s resilience.
May this day of prayer renew our strength and deepen our awareness of our mission. Each of us, in our own place, must stand firm in defense of our country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Yet prayer is not only our duty—it is a special power that comes from communion with God.
In prayer, we call upon divine strength for Ukraine and its people. May this day unite us, setting aside divisions so that, together, standing before God, we may implore the Lord for peace. May it make us stronger and more united. And may the guiding thought for this day be:
Prayer is our strength and our hope. Prayer is the path to Ukraine’s victory.
God bless Ukraine. Bless our men and women on the front line. Bless our global Ukrainian community so that it may reach out to the minds and hearts of the powerful. God, bless Ukraine with Your just heavenly peace.
The blessing of the Lord be upon you, through His grace and love for mankind, always, now and forever, and for the ages of ages. Amen.
Glory to Jesus Christ!
