Head of the UGCC in the 202nd Week of War: The Savior, Born Among Us, Became a Ukrainian Soldier, a Refugee, and a Rescuer
When we look at the world, at this darkness that the Russian occupier is sowing around us, we want to cry, but when we raise our eyes to the heavens, we see the star of Bethlehem and the heavenly light, and we hear the angels singing: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among people of good will.” His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, said this in his traditional video address in the 202nd week of the Russian Federation’s full-scale war against Ukraine.
Photo courtesy of Radio Liberty
The Primate noted that the Russian side rejected the proposal for a Christmas truce in Ukraine, but despite the fact that Russia does not cease shelling for a moment, Ukrainians are celebrating Christmas for the fourth time during the war.
“And this Christmas season, this celebration of our Savior’s coming to us in human flesh, is a time when sadness and joy, tears and smiles intertwine in Ukraine. Ukrainians celebrate Christmas, although the circumstances in which they celebrate it are becoming increasingly dire,” said His Beatitude Sviatoslav, adding: “That is why we celebrate Christmas.”
“For us, Christmas is always a moment of encounter between God and humanity. Our caroling is a wonderful opportunity to visit each other with Christmas joy, to exchange wishes, to help each other in times of need, to welcome into our homes those who, like the Holy Family, are far from home or have lost it completely,” said the Head of the Church.
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Video Message of the Head of the UGCC on the 202nd Week of the Full-Scale War, December 28, 2025
“Ukraine, celebrating Christmas, strengthens its faith. By celebrating Christmas, Ukraine finds the Savior, who was born among us today, incarnated; who became a Ukrainian soldier defending the Homeland, a refugee who left his home; a volunteer helping all those in need; a rescuer extinguishing fires; and a medic who saves human lives,” said the spiritual leader of Ukrainians.
The UGCC Department for Information
