Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Stradch: We Feel Christ Enduring in Ukraine’s Suffering
The Way of the Cross on Stradetska Mountain is especially enthralling to Ukrainians today because, as never before, we feel that Christ is not just with us or beside us, but that He is within us, enduring the sufferings of Ukraine. This was said by His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the UGCC, during the All-Ukrainian pilgrimage to Stradch on June 26. The annual pilgrimage to Stradetska Mountain is dedicated to the Day of the Laity and to the blessed martyrs of the UGCC, Father Mykola Konrad and Deacon Volodymyr Pryima.
The highlight of the pilgrimage to this sacred site in the Lviv region was the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, led by the Father and Head of the UGCC, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, and concelebrated by UGCC bishops from Ukraine and abroad, as well as Bishop Nil Lushchak, Auxiliary Bishop of the Greek Catholic Eparchy of Mukachevo.
During his sermon, His Beatitude Sviatoslav expressed his joy at being able to gather again during wartime: “Indeed, we all profoundly rejoice that we have lived to see this day and can pray together here.”
The Primate pointed out the significance of the Gospel passage from Matthew (Mt 10:23–31) for Ukraine: “We hear the words ‘Do not be afraid’ three times. It is difficult to find in the Gospel a more pertinent word of God to a people living in the daily horrors of war.”
In addition, the Head of the UGCC emphasized the depth of God’s compassion for each person. “The Lord God knows our sufferings because He personally experiences them as His own, as the pains of His body. He rushes to rescue, to defend His people,” said the preacher. “Therefore, the words ‘do not be afraid’ are remarkably deep.”
Reflecting on the verse about those “who kill the body but cannot kill the soul” (Mt 10:28), His Beatitude Sviatoslav explained: “We must fear most what can separate us from God… To kill the soul is akin to taking away a person’s faith in God.”
The Patriarch acknowledged that fear is a normal human reaction—especially in wartime—but emphasized that it can be overcome through faith in God and hope in the resurrection.
“This bond between humanity and its Creator, God and Savior—who runs to meet and protect us—is the source of our dignity and the key to overcoming even our deepest fears. The Lord opens up new horizons for our lives. He is the foundation we can always rely on,” explained the Father and Head of the UGCC.
Paying tribute to the martyrs Father Mykola Konrad and Deacon Volodymyr Pryima, the Primate of the UGCC noted that their suffering portrayed for us the suffering of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. “A martyr is one in whom the power of Christ’s victory over sin and death is revealed,” said His Beatitude Sviatoslav.
His Beatitude made special mention of Ukrainian defenders, who, in his words, are teaching us how to overcome fear. “When we look at the wounds of our soldiers, we see the wounds of Jesus Christ Himself… They do not need sympathy—they need our respect, because they bear the wounds of Ukraine on their bodies,” emphasized the Head of the UGCC.
In the context of the Jubilee Year proclaimed by Pope Francis, the Primate called all those present “pilgrims of hope.” His Beatitude Sviatoslav, addressing the faithful, emphasized the importance of the Sacrament of Confession: “Christ says to you: Fear rather the one who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Mt 10:28). It is repentance and Confession that can remove this fear. Uniting yourselves with God, return home as witnesses of that hope—relying on which, we can turn the world upside down.”
“Today we plead: Lord, bless Your people, strengthen our faith in You! Let each of us feel that all our tears, all our pain are counted by You! Let us feel that You cry our tears and rejoice in our smiles!” prayed the Father and Head of the UGCC at the end.
The service concluded with a joint prayer for Ukraine. After the Liturgy, the pilgrims who fulfilled the necessary conditions were granted a plenary Jubilee indulgence.
The UGCC Department for Information
