“We Hope the New U. S. President Will Help Us Win This War,” UGCC Head in the 143 rd week of the war
The new U. S. president stated he would end wars in the modern world. People are asking themselves: How will he do it, and at what cost? His Beatitude Sviatoslav, the Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, shared these reflections in his traditional military video message during the 143 rd week of this arduous war. This week was marked by a major escalation across nearly the entire front line and by nightly bombings of our peaceful cities and villages in Ukraine.
According to the Primate, the capital of Ukraine was a primary target of the bombing. A powerful missile strike hit Zaporizhzhia, resulting in the deaths of at least eight people and wounding dozens.
“The enemy is beginning to deploy new, modified drones to attack Ukraine. According to reports, these are aircraft equipped with thermobaric bombs, designed specifically to kill the civilian population of Ukraine,” said His Beatitude Sviatoslav.
At the same time, the Head of the Church noted that the U. S. presidential election results have captured worldwide attention, including that of Ukrainian society: “The new president promised to end wars in the modern world. People are wondering: How will he do it, and at what cost? Ukrainian society is anxious—could this come at the cost of more lives in Ukraine? Yet, we hope the newly elected president will listen to the voice of our homeland and help us win this war.”
“In times of such uncertainty, I suggest we heed the words of the prophet Isaiah, who once chastised his king for forming an alliance with Egypt—relying on human strength instead of God in the face of an aggressor. The prophet Isaiah speaks to us, to Ukrainians today: ‘For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.’ Ukraine’s strength today lies in silence and trust in God. That is why we say: Ukraine stands, Ukraine fights, Ukraine prays!” the Primate added.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav also mentioned that this week, he completed a visit to France, where he was invited by the French state and the Conference of Catholic Bishops of France. This level of visit by the Head of the UGCC last occurred more than 50 years ago when Patriarch Josyf Slipyj traveled to France at the invitation of President Georges Pompidou.
“All the events in France demonstrate great solidarity with the people of Ukraine at the state, church, and global levels. Many people told me they were eager to hear the voice of ordinary Ukrainians who are standing and fighting,” the spiritual leader concluded.
The UGCC Department for Information
