Head of the UGCC to the provincial superior of the Basilians in Ukraine: “Keep the mother who lost her son in your prayers!”
The Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, congratulated the newly elected protohegumen of the province of the Basilian Fathers of the Most Holy Savior in Ukraine, Father Joseph Kralka, who was appointed on February 14 during the Ordinary Provincial Chapter, and gave him his archpastoral blessing. The Head of the UGCC also greeted his advisors, who were elected by the fathers of the Ordinary Chapter to assist the protohegumen.
In his congratulatory letter, His Beatitude Sviatoslav noted that Fr. Joseph took up his ministry during the bloody struggle of Ukrainians against the Russian occupier, who, in addition to weapons, “fights” with religious slogans rooted in the genocidal concept of the “Russkiy mir.”
“As you look at our Lord Jesus Christ, seek in Him words of support and consolation for yourself, your brothers, and your native people,” the Primate addressed Fr. Joseph.
In addition, the Head of the UGCC thanked the fathers and brothers of the order for their selfless service to our people suffering from the war. Then he addressed the newly elected protohegumen: “Dear Father Joseph, continue to fulfill the Gospel’s precepts. Keep the mother who lost her son in your prayers. Warm the child who will never see his father with the warmth of God’s love. Serve those who have lost all their possessions and are now displaced in their home country.”
His Beatitude Sviatoslav wished Fr. Joseph spiritual strength and assured him of support for all initiatives that will be aimed at the development of the Church, the preaching of God’s word and the well-being of God-loving people.
“I ask the merciful God that the period of your presidency be marked by the strengthening of the monastery, its deep spiritual flourishing, renewal, and numerous fervent vocations to the consecrated life,” the Father and Head of the UGCC wished.
As we reported earlier, on February 14, 2024, the Ordinary Provincial Chapter of the Province of the Basilian Fathers of the Most Holy Savior in Ukraine, held at St. Joseph’s Monastery in Bryukhovychi, elected a new provincial protohegumen. Father Joseph Kralka, the hegumen of the monastery in Drohobych, was elected.
The UGCC Department for Information
