“You Have a Lot of Work Ahead” — UGCC Head to St. Sophia Association USA on occasion 50th anniversary
This year, the “St. Sophia” Religious Association of Ukrainian Catholics in the United States celebrates its 50th anniversary. To mark the event, the Father and Head of the UGCC, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, congratulated the members of the Association and invited them to a charity banquet in support of churches and parish communities destroyed by war. During the banquet on May 19, attendees will receive the anniversary book of the Association, with proceeds used to rebuild war-ravaged churches in Ukraine.
On April 21, 1974, Patriarch Josyf Slipyj founded the St. Sophia Religious Association so that the “silent and persecuted catacomb Church” could declare its existence and loyalty to God to the whole world through its institutions in Rome, defend the innocently punished, and proclaim the truth about Ukraine and its struggle for freedom and independence.
“We thank the Lord, who sent, blessed, and strengthened the people who have faithfully and sacrificially ministered for the good of our Church over these 50 years,” stated His Beatitude Sviatoslav in his greeting letter to the Association’s members. He thanked those who continue the work of their predecessors with dignity, implementing the plans of Patriarch Josyf.
“Once again, we are facing a difficult period, during which, after the great destruction wrought by the war, we will need to restore the damaged and heal the wounded. Therefore, in the next 50 years, you will have much work to do,” said the Primate. “Having secured the prayers of the founder of the Hagia Sophia Society, now our heavenly patron, and having received our blessing, move forward fearlessly in unity and unanimity, giving yourselves, each other, and your whole life to Christ God.”
The Patriarch then blessed the participants and leadership of the “St. Sophia” Religious Association of Ukrainian Catholics in the United States.
The UGCC Department for Information
