“We Must Heal Not Only Individuals, But Society as a Whole,” Says Head of the UGCC
On March 18–19, 2025, the Patriarchal Center of the UGCC in Kyiv is hosting the Forum of those responsible for social service in the UGCC, centered on Caritas Ukraine. This year’s theme is “Holistic Community Development: How Do We Care for the Common Good?” The goal of the Forum is to introduce a community-oriented approach to the program activities of Caritas organizations and to address the challenges and prospects of working with communities.
Among the attendees were His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the UGCC, Bishop Vasyl Tuchapets, Exarch of Kharkiv and Chairman of the UGCC Social Service Department, as well as Tetiana Stavnycha, Director of Caritas Ukraine. Directors of Caritas organizations, representatives of communities, public sector organizations, government officials, and activists are taking part in the event.
The forum opened with a prayer and a welcoming address by the Head of the UGCC. He emphasized the momentousness of the event for both the Church and the community, noting that it is “an opportunity to exchange views, experiences and the finest examples of social service.”
The Patriarch emphasized the importance of healing not only individuals but also entire communities, since communities are the foundation of society. He reminded that one in three Ukrainians needs urgent humanitarian assistance, and emphasized that the halt of hostilities will not mean the end of problems, as social and humanitarian challenges will remain in post-war Ukraine.
“Aligning what we do with what people really need is the key to our success. That is why today, to ensure we all realize the current humanitarian situation in Ukraine, this Forum is invaluable,” His Beatitude Sviatoslav addressed the audience.
“We must preserve and expand our network to heal not only people but also society as a whole,” he added.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav also noted that various state institutions recognize that our Church provides a space of stability for the nation. According to him, this is a huge responsibility, and one of the ways to help the Ukrainian people is through the diakonia, social service and educating people for service.
The third important aspect of the meeting, according to the Father and Head of the UGCC, is raising the question of how to keep people, in particular qualified social workers, in the structures of the Church and Caritas. “Very few people speak about the restoration of a person, human relations, and human communities. These mechanisms form the critical infrastructure of every society.”
In conclusion, the Head of the UGCC thanked all the participants of the Forum for their self-sacrifice and willingness to serve without expectation of reward. “Caritas is true love. You are ready to give more than you expect to receive. I wish you to be successful in your work and inspired with new ideas. May this forum be held under the guidance of Christian hope,” said His Beatitude Sviatoslav.
The UGCC Department for the Information
