Bishop Bohdan Dzyurakh Calls for Support for the Families of Ukraine’s Defenders During a Pilgrimage in Altötting
On September 26, a Ukrainian pilgrimage took place in Altötting, a Marian pilgrimage center in Germany, led by Bishop Bohdan Dzyurakh, the Apostolic Exarch for Ukrainians of the Byzantine Rite in Germany and Scandinavia. During the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, he called on the pilgrims to support, through prayer and works of mercy, those suffering from the war, especially the families of Ukrainian defenders.
This was reported by the Apostolic Exarchate for Ukrainians of the Byzantine Rite in Germany and Scandinavia.
The bishop encouraged everyone to choose one person or family and help them through their trials. He emphasized the importance of such support in the coming winter.
“This would truly demonstrate our living faith and ardent love for God and our neighbor,” Bishop Bohdan noted.
In his homily, the bishop reflected on the Gospel account of the Mother of God, Mary of Cleophas, Mary Magdalene, and the Apostle John, who stood at the foot of Jesus’ cross. According to him, their presence beside Christ testifies to their faithfulness and strength of spirit—the ability to resist evil and endure suffering.
Speaking about the war in Ukraine, Bishop Bohdan emphasized the importance of faith and solidarity for the Ukrainian people.
“We, the Ukrainian people, are going through our Good Friday today, one that has stretched on for many years. But we are not alone, for our Heavenly Mother, the Mother of God, stands faithfully beneath the cross of our national destiny,” he said.
The bishop recognized the service of the defenders on the front lines, volunteers, medical workers, and chaplains, as well as the support provided to soldiers by their families, particularly when they return with wounds and injuries.
“Thanks to their resolve, Ukraine will prevail. ‘But they are not alone. For the great, God-fearing Ukrainian people stand alongside them,’ emphasized the Apostolic Exarch.
Bishop Bohdan also thanked people in various countries for their support—those who are helping Ukrainians, praying for them, and showing solidarity. “And these are not empty words. They are borne of love and solidarity with us. For this, we want to thank God today,” he noted.
The pilgrimage day began with a prayer led by the “Mothers in Prayer” community. After the Liturgy, the pilgrims, together with Bishop Bohdan, prayed a Moleben in front of the Chapel of Graces and venerated the miraculous icon of the Mother of God. In their prayers, they asked for peace in Ukraine, protection and courage for the soldiers, and support for all those suffering from the war.
The pilgrimage concluded with the Stations of the Cross, led by the administrator of the Cathedral of the Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God in Munich.
Altötting in Bavaria is one of Germany’s most prominent pilgrimage centers, known for the Chapel of Grace with its miraculous statue of the Black Madonna. Ukrainian communities in Germany regularly make pilgrimages to this shrine.
The UGCC Department for Information
