“We are weary, yet undefeated”: Ukrainian Catholic bishops address the faithful on the occasion of the Nativity Fast
The Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Ukraine addressed the faithful with a pastoral letter entitled “In Unity Lies the Strength of the People,” urging to experience the Nativity Fast as a time of spiritual mobilization and social responsibility.
In the document, the bishops emphasized that Ukraine is undergoing one of its most trying periods, as the war has become a test not only of strength but also of the internal resilience of the people.
“In the twelfth year of the war and the fourth year of its all-engulfing phase, we feel fatigue, yet not defeat. The time of ‘pre-dawn twilight’ poses a challenge before us: are we capable of mobilizing all resources for victory? Experience proves we are! ,” the letter states.
The hierarchs emphasized that the true strength of the people emerges from internal discipline. “Fasting, prayer, mercy to those in need, renouncing superfluity and the temptation of selfishness are the school of freedom. Those who know how to control themselves and are capable of conscious self-sacrifice deserve victory.”
The Synod also called for the purification of society from apathy and inertia of Soviet models of state, military, and economic management. Ukraine’s victory requires not only external support, but above all, internal renewal of each individual.
“The only certain path to victory is to pursue the way of Christ. True victory for Ukraine will not come from the intervention of allies or diplomatic efforts. It will come when each of us makes a sacrifice—of time, energy, abilities, conveniences, and, if necessary, life. For it is only through personal self-restraint that we will create a common resource capable of becoming an invincible force,” the bishops emphasized.
Every day of the Nativity Fast, as the bishops of the UGCC noted, is a step toward inner purification and a deeper understanding of God’s will: “Let prayer be our shield, and good deeds be the sword with which we defend the truth. The struggle for Ukraine is a struggle for the future of the people, for their vocation to be an example to the world in confronting darkness.”
The UGCC Department for Information
