Archbishop Borys Gudziak at the Ukrainian Week in Washington, DC: “You cannot stand with Jesus and not stand with Ukraine”
From February 3 to 8, 2025, Archbishop Borys Gudziak took part in Ukrainian Week in Washington, DC. Launched by a coalition of NGOs and Evangelical churches from the United States and Ukraine, this annual event has been held in the U. S. capital every February since 2022. Ukrainian Week features a series of advocacy meetings, prayer services, and public discussions at some of the city’s most prominent venues.
During his visit, Archbishop Borys attended the International Religious Freedom Summit, the Ukrainian Prayer Breakfast, various prayer services, and advocacy meetings with American lawmakers and faith leaders.
At a press conference near the U. S. Capitol, Archbishop Borys spoke about the moral imperative of supporting Ukraine:
“Why do so many of my brothers and sisters in faith support Ukraine? Because it aligns with the Gospel—it’s what Jesus would do. You cannot stand with Jesus and not stand with Ukraine. You cannot stand with Jesus and not be with the poor. You cannot stand with Jesus and not be merciful to forced migrants who have lost everything and have nowhere to return. You can’t stand with Jesus and not stand with those who have shown the greatest love, according to His words: ‘There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.’”
The Archbishop also highlighted the strong support for Ukraine within the U. S. Catholic Church:
“There are about 57 million Catholics in the United States and approximately 270 Catholic bishops. Every single Catholic bishop stands with Ukraine.”
He expressed deep gratitude to the American people for their unwavering support.
During the Ukrainian Prayer Breakfast on February 7, Archbishop Borys offered a heartfelt prayer:
“We ask You, Lord, to free us—free this world from lust, egoism, self-worship, greed, and the desire to own everything and control everyone. Free us from manipulation, oppression, and violence. Free us and bring us into Your life—a life of generosity, relationship, blessing, and kindness.”
In his remarks, including Gala Dinner “Stand with Ukraine” the Archbishop mentioned Yaroslav Bazylevych and Maksym Kulyk, two young men who lost their entire families in Russian attacks on Lviv and Kryvyi Rih, as well as countless orphans, amputees, and widows affected by the war:
“We ask You, Lord, to give us true peace—the peace that comes from knowing You reign, that Your truth always prevails, and that the suffering of Yaroslav, Maksym, and so many others will be healed by Your power and truth. Give us these gifts, let us hold each other’s hands, and let us walk together in faith.”
Ukrainian Week continues to serve as a platform for strengthening ties between Ukraine and the United States, uniting leaders in faith, politics, and civil society in their commitment to justice, freedom, and peace.
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