An All-Ukrainian Military Pilgrimage Takes Place in Zarvanytsia
On September 19–20, the 18th All-Ukrainian Military Pilgrimage took place at the Marian Spiritual Center in Zarvanytsia, organized by the Department of Military Chaplaincy of the Patriarchal Curia of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. The pilgrimage was attended by military personnel, veterans, military chaplains, cadets, and high school students, as well as the families of military personnel, fallen heroes, and those missing in action. This year’s pilgrimage was themed “Courage Born of Faith.”
This was reported by the Department of Military Chaplaincy of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.
Military personnel from various Ukrainian security agencies, cadets from the Hetman Petro Sahaidachnyi National Army Academy, and students from the Lviv Lyceum with Enhanced Military and Physical Training named after the Heroes of Kruty and the Naval Lyceum named after Vice Admiral Volodymyr Bezkorovainyi arrived in Zarvanytsia. Representatives of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the Military Chaplaincy Service of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard of Ukraine, and the State Special Transport Service also took part in the pilgrimage.
The first day of the pilgrimage began with a prayer service of thanksgiving in the square near the parish church in Zarvanytsia, followed by a procession to the statue of the Mother of God.
Bishop Bohdan Manyshyn, Head of the Department of Military Chaplaincy of the Patriarchal Curia of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, blessed the children of Ukraine’s defenders and the mothers of fallen soldiers, who were carrying bouquets of sunflowers and oil lamps. The bishop then consecrated the icons and processional banners of military units and civic organizations.
A Divine Liturgy and a Panakhyda for the repose of the souls of Ukraine’s fallen heroes were held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Zarvanytsia. After the prayer, those present lit candles and prayed for the unknown soldier.
Traditionally, the pilgrims walked the Stations of the Cross. The cross was carried from one station to the next in turn by military personnel, chaplains, cadets, high school students, and the families of fallen soldiers. During the prayerful reflections, participants recalled the Passion of Christ and the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for Ukraine.
The first day concluded with a spiritual and artistic program featuring kobzar Yaroslav Krysko—a member of the band Horeya Kozatska, a Shevchenko Prize laureate, a military servicemember, and a combat veteran—as well as the artist couple Yaroslav and Vasylina Henyk, both of whom are military spouses.
On Sunday, Bishop Bohdan presided over the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, concelebrated with military chaplains. In his homily, the bishop emphasized the connection between faith and courage.
“Faith is born from listening to the Word of God and leads a person to courage—the courage to trust in the Lord and follow Him even when this path requires sacrifice. Christ calls us not to be afraid, but to remain faithful to Him to the end,” Bishop Bohdan noted.
He also emphasized that such courage helps us overcome trials and bear witness to our faith with our very lives.
In conclusion, Bishop Bohdan presented certificates of appreciation to representatives of the military chaplaincy and other guests and also thanked all the pilgrims for participating in the pilgrimage, for praying together, and for bearing witness to Christian courage in times of trial.
The UGCC Department for Information
