Our crucifixion is the way to our resurrection: Head of the UGCC in the 61 st week of full-scale war
We know that Ukraine will go through its Holy Week. Ukraine, being crucified, will go through this time of suffering and trial. His Beatitude Sviatoslav, the Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, said this on the 61 st week of the full-scale war brought to our land by the Russian aggressor.
But Ukraine celebrates Easter, and today we speak with joy and hope to the world amidst disturbing circumstances: Ukraine stands, fights, and prays!
The Primate noted that this is the second time we have had to celebrate Easter in a time of war. These military circumstances mainly affect our celebrations this year because anxiety does not leave society.
“The enemy seizes every opportunity,” said the head of the church, “to inflict the greatest harm, the greatest pain, the greatest destruction on our people and our state. The enemy also never misses a moment to use the religious aspect of Ukrainian life to destabilize the internal peace of our homeland.”
As we celebrate Easter amid war, the spiritual leader notes, we understand more and more deeply that the Gospel’s story of the suffering, death on the cross, and resurrection of Christ is not only about him. It is a reality that reveals the history and us in the circumstances of war.
“We know,” he says, “that crucifixion is not eternal. It is the key to the resurrection. Thus, this Easter mystery speaks to us today in a special way.”
“Today, we can say that we will heal all our wounds because Christ is risen. Today we believe and know that we will rebuild our cities and villages that the Russian occupier destroyed because Christ is risen! We know and believe that we will be able to withstand this unequal fight, and we will be able to withstand and win this war. We know that all the children of Ukraine, who are now scattered in many countries of the world as refugees, will return home to the Easter table in Ukraine. For Christ is risen,” His Beatitude Sviatoslav emphasized.
“From Ukraine, we would like to share our Easter joy with all of you, dear brothers and sisters. May your hearts be filled with heavenly joy emanating not from earthly things but God Himself,” the spiritual leader wished all the faithful and people of goodwill.
The UGCC Department for Information
