Bishop Stepan Sus Meets with CYM Members in Belgium: “Only Those Who Have Clear Guidance in Life Will Not Go Astray”
The General Chaplain of the Ukrainian Youth Association, Bishop Stepan Sus, presided over the Divine Liturgy with participants of the IX World Congress of the Ukrainian Youth Association, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the organization. The service took place on August 10 at the Ukrainian house “Frankopole” in Ardennes, Belgium.
This was reported by the Pastoral and Migration Department.
During his sermon, the bishop emphasized the importance of spiritual guidance in life, commenting on the Gospel account of how Christ calmed the storm at sea (Matthew 14:22–34):
“Only those who have clear guidance in life will not be lost… The Gospel story we read on the 9th Sunday after Pentecost tells us about a benchmark, especially in circumstances of various experiences, crises, and turbulence, so that we may be able to see God, God’s power, where the waves of human life instill fear and doubt, uncertainty, and sometimes even disappointment in us. Those who, against all odds, are not ashamed to put God at the helm of their boat of life find the strength to move forward.
He remembered that the first members of the organization chose two words as their slogan: “God and Ukraine!” “This slogan became a clear guide for many generations, helping them not to get lost in the sea of life, but to keep what was theirs—their faith in God and love for Ukraine.”
Bishop Stepan urged young people not to be afraid to love and preserve what is theirs, even when others are ashamed of it or forget it: “Be those who live by values that cannot be bought in any supermarket or online store, that no one can steal or take away. Continue passing on the baton of courage and witnessing your great love for God and Ukraine. This path has been paved by the sacrifice and dedication of thousands of heroes who continue to shine for us even today.”
The prayer was joined by Andriy Bihun, head of the World Executive of the Ukrainian Youth Association, Paul Grod, president of the World Congress of Ukrainians, representatives of Ukrainian community organizations in Belgium, as well as young members of the Ukrainian Youth Association from Western Europe, the US, Canada, Australia, and Argentina.
Background
The Frankopole House has been an important spiritual and patriotic center for Ukrainians in Western Europe. Purchased in 1965, it became a venue for SUM camps and meetings, and in July 1966 it was consecrated by Archbishop Ivan Buchko.
The UGCC Department for Information
