Video Message of the Head of the UGCC on the 184th Week of the Full-Scale War, August 24, 2025
Glory to Jesus Christ!
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ!
The 184th week of the full-scale war has come to an end. It was a week marked by heroic efforts to defend our state and our homeland. This past week will likely be remembered in history for the extraordinary diplomatic efforts made on the international stage to stop the Russian aggressor by every possible means.
We are especially grateful to the European leaders who stood united in support of Ukraine and our President—particularly during the talks in Washington. We witnessed that today’s united Europe not only sees Ukraine as part of its cultural, economic, and security space, but also as a force for peace, stability, and future progress across the continent.
On behalf of all Ukrainians, we extend our deepest gratitude to all Europeans and all people of goodwill who support us. Your solidarity strengthens us. It gives us the courage not only to resist the Russian murderer but also to think about the future—to dream, to rebuild, and to shape a better tomorrow for Ukraine, for Europe, and for the entire world.
At the same time, while these diplomatic negotiations were taking place—and while we heard certain assurances, promises, and even demands concerning Ukraine’s future peace—the Russian side continued its killing. On the night of August 21 alone, more than 600 air targets were launched against Ukraine. The western regions of our country were hit the hardest. Today, we express our deep solidarity with the wounded city of Lviv and the affected community of Mukachevo.
We want the entire world to hear this: Ukraine is united. In our determination to survive and win, we are not only standing together—we are demonstrating real heroism, courage, and above all, deep trust in God. That is why today we say again, for the whole world to hear: Ukraine stands. Ukraine fights. Ukraine prays.
This week, our Carpathian region witnessed a profound spiritual event. In the ancient village of Starunia, steeped in over a thousand years of Christian history, we consecrated Ukraine’s first underground basilica. In doing so, we became witnesses to the growth of a remarkable pilgrimage center, dedicated to Blessed Martyr Simeon Lukach—born in this very village, a bishop of the underground Church, who suffered imprisonment in Stalin’s camps and ultimately passed into eternity here, in his homeland.
These Carpathian Mountains and this village were once the very heart of the underground Church—now brought into the light, just as the righteous Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky once prophesied: a Church that “shines today throughout the world.”
But what makes Starunia—and this basilica—so special? It is a place of power. Not only the natural power that flows from the Carpathians and the depths of the earth beneath this open mountain, where an underground basilica now stands, and a spring of living water flows beneath its altar. For years, people carrying pain in their hearts have come here to pray. From this place, you can see the mountains stretching in every direction—but it’s not just the beauty of nature that brings healing here.
It is also a place of healing—a sacred space marked and blessed by the Lord Himself. God meets us here with His divine grace. Streams of pilgrims—families, veterans, the grieving—come with prayers in their hearts. Mothers, sisters, and wives pray for sons, brothers, and husbands held in Russian captivity. Families of the missing come begging God for even a trace of news. War veterans come here because they feel something change within—they feel God renewing their strength.
Everyone who is struggling to find their place in this new reality comes here—and here, the Lord sends His light.
We have truly experienced that in these Carpathians, in Starunia, God has established not just another church, but a sanctuary—a place for the healing of the wounds of war. Here, He Himself reaches out to touch His suffering people with His power and mercy.
As part of this consecration, we brought a sacred gift from our Church—a powerful sign from God to His people. It is an icon of Christ, miraculously rescued by our soldiers from the ravaged city of Bakhmut in the Donetsk region—a city that has endured some of the fiercest fighting in recent memory. Pulled from a burning building and preserved through the flames, this icon was delivered to us by our chaplains. Those who pray before it say they feel something extraordinary—healing grace radiating from it.
From this day forward, the icon will be known as the “Spas of Bakhmut”—the Savior of Bakhmut. It will remain in the underground basilica of Simeon Lukach here in Starunia, a channel of God’s grace and comfort to His wounded people.
Today, on this Sunday, we also mark Ukraine’s Independence Day—a day that has become a true national holiday for all people of Ukraine, regardless of ethnicity, heritage, or religious affiliation. Our independence is not just a political status; it is the very condition of our life, our freedom, and our ability to grow into the people God created us to be. A free Ukraine is essential—not only for our own people, but for peace and stability across Europe and beyond.
Today, we lift our prayers for all the heroes who, throughout our centuries-long struggle for freedom, have shed their blood for this independence. We pray especially for our defenders today—young men and women on the front lines—who are giving our independence new meaning. Through suffering, our people are not only asserting their freedom from any aggressor or colonizer, but also their freedom for something greater: the freedom to love God, to serve one another, and to build a future rooted in faith and justice.
God, bless Ukraine. God, bless this people, who show unimaginable strength and resilience in their suffering. God, bless the hearts of those in whom You continually reveal new sources of courage, hope, and dignity. And on this Independence Day, O Lord, bless our nation with Your just and 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.
