Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in the 175th Week of the War: Talk of “Peace Negotiations” with the Aggressor Brings Deep Pain to Ukrainians
It has now been exactly 100 days since Russia once again refused to end its war against Ukraine. This was stated by His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, in his address marking the 175th week of the devastating war that Russia continues to wage against the Ukrainian people.
Damage caused by a hostile attack on Kyiv on June 23, 2025. Photo credit: Radio Liberty
The Primate noted that the past week was marked by yet more crimes against humanity committed by the Russian Federation—a week filled with death, bloodshed, tears, and destruction.
“Yet we thank God that we are alive and can serve—serving with what we have, with what we know, and with what we are able to do,” His Beatitude said. “Above all, we are grateful that we can pray. Once again, we want the world to hear: Ukraine stands, Ukraine fights, Ukraine prays!”
Addressing the so-called “peace negotiations” aimed at ending Russia’s war on Ukraine, the spiritual leader commented:
“Every mention of possible ‘peace talks’ with the aggressor brings deep pain to Ukrainians—pain for our misled partners, and pain at the mockery of the very concept of peace.”
He thanked Pope Leo for once again speaking to the world about Ukraine’s cry for help, and for reminding us that we must never grow accustomed to war.
This Sunday, the Church celebrates All Saints’ Day of the Ukrainian people. “In light of this feast,” His Beatitude continued, “we reflect on the events that will take place in our Church next week—especially Lay People’s Day on June 26. A nationwide pilgrimage will be held in Stradch, near Lviv, in honor of our blessed martyrs, Mykola Konrad and Volodymyr Pryima, patrons of the laity in the UGCC.”
Read also:
Video-message of the Head of the UGCC on the 175th Week of Full-Scale War, June 22, 2025
His Beatitude also invited all Ukrainians to take part in the national pilgrimage to Rome, which will will be held at St. Peter’s Basilica on June 28. “With this pilgrimage, and particularly with the Divine Liturgy concelebrated with Pope Leo on the feast of the Supreme Apostles Peter and Paul, on Sunday, June 29, the next session of the Synod of Bishops of our Church will begin.”
He concluded by asking the faithful to pray for the bishops, emphasizing:
“The central theme of this year’s Synod will be the pastoral care of the family—the most essential cell of the Church, of the nation, and of society—which has been deeply wounded by this brutal war.”
The UGCC Department for Information
