“May the Risen Christ Fill Ukraine with Peace!” — The Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church Congratulates Ukrainians on Easter
His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, addressed Ukrainians with an Easter greeting, emphasizing the victory of life over death and the hope for peace that Christ’s Resurrection brings.
In his video message, His Beatitude Sviatoslav highlighted the universal significance of the Feast of Christ’s Resurrection: “Today we celebrate the greatest feast not only for Christians, but for all people. After His suffering and death on the cross, our Savior rises triumphantly from the tomb!”
According to the Primate, the radiance of the Risen Savior gives us the certainty that darkness has no power over humanity: “Today, our Risen Christ tells us that death is not the end, that evil is never final, and that our life will continue.”
Citing the theological teaching of the Church Fathers, the Head of the UGCC explained that Christ’s Resurrection is a new creation of the entire universe. “God has, in a sense, touched the universe anew and given it new life. There has been, as it were, a re-launch of the world in which we live. Everything that came before—our sinfulness, our death—has been overcome from within,” he said.
The Primate also highlighted the profound connection between the Resurrection and the Sacrament of the Eucharist: “Christ does not merely comfort us in the face of death. Today He gives us hope that death does not have the final word. At the Last Supper, Christ made His apostles partakers in His Resurrection through Communion in His Body and Blood.”
“Even this Paschal bread, which we consecrate and partake of today, is, as it were, a continuation of that moment—the disciples’ encounter with the Body of the Risen Savior,” he added.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav wished all Ukrainians to be deeply moved and filled with the reality of the “new creation” and the presence of the Risen Christ: “Christ is risen! The earth and the depths of the underworld are filled with light. Christ is risen! All that is closed is opened, all that is dead comes to life. Christ is risen! And life conquers death.”
“May the Risen Christ bless us all and fill our hearts, our families, and our Ukraine with His just and heavenly peace!” wished the Father and Head of the UGCC.
The UGCC Department for Information
