“For the Families of Fallen Heroes, Their Graves Are the Most Peaceful Place in the World,” Bishop Volodymyr Hrutsa

When I visited the graves of our heroes at the Lychakiv cemetery, one woman showed me that her son-in-law was buried in one spot and her son in another. We can only imagine what this woman’s life is like. But she said that for her it is the most peaceful place in the world. Auxiliary Bishop Volodymyr Hrutsa of the Lviv Archeparchy said this in an interview with the UGCC Information Department regarding the pain of war.

The bishop shared that the woman’s words had accompanied him in his reflections for a very long time. In his opinion, it is incredible that she sees the cemetery, which everyone is scared of—a place filled with memories and pain—as her therapy.

“This woman can come here because her loved one is here. In this way, she is also on her way to healing. For most people, the cemetery is a place of fear. They do not want to go there, especially in the evening,” said the auxiliary bishop.

Bishop Volodymyr also shared his experience of frequently performing military funerals in the Garrison Church and providing pastoral care to the families of the victims.

“During funerals, it is very difficult to find words of support. I do not really try to do it directly. Words always have a role at a funeral. It is always a good opportunity to speak God’s word to people so that they remember the departed. When it comes to family, words are not as important as presence, even in silence. At the time of the funeral, a person cannot really remember anything, no matter what I tell them, because they are emotionally confused,” said the bishop.

“So when I come to the cemetery or see my family, I don’t try to comfort them very much. First of all, I try to come and stand in silence, not saying anything. These people see that I am there, maybe they don’t know who I am, but then, if I feel there is a Christian context, I ask whether we may pray together for a moment. Everyone always needs prayer. After the prayer, I can embrace people, and then they usually start talking,” said the auxiliary bishop of the Lviv Archeparchy.

“Even the motto of military chaplains is to be always there. It is not a question of competence, preaching, conversion. No! Always there!” added Bishop Volodymyr.

The UGCC Departmemt for Information