Synod of Bishops prompts the faithful to learn about UGCC ascetics and imitate them in difficult times of war
To mark the 1035th anniversary of the Baptism of Rus’-Ukraine, the bishops of the Synod of Bishops of the UGCC in Ukraine appealed to the faithful over the importance of requests for an intercessory prayer to the ascetics, martyrs, confessors, and righteous of the UGCC.
In the appeal, the bishops asked to submit written or oral testimonies about Ukrainian spiritual ascetics, martyrs, and confessors to the Postulatory Center for the Beatification and Canonization of Saints of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church or to its offices in dioceses and exarchates.
“The saints of our Church of St. Volodymyr’s Baptism are incredibly close to Ukrainian Christians: Equal-to-the-Apostles Volodymyr and Olga, the ascetics of Kyiv-Pechersk, St. Josaphat, the martyrs of Pratulin and Uman, the righteous Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky, Patriarch Josyf Slipyj, the holy martyr Mykola Chernetsky, and other ascetics, martyrs, and confessors of the twentieth century,” the appeal states.
The bishops specifically urged to request an intercessory prayer to the righteous Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky, as 2023 marks the 65th anniversary of the beginning of his canonical beatification process, as well as Patriarch Josyf Slipyj.
“Give your testimonies about examples of the fruits of an intercession that you or your families or friends have received,” the bishops asked in their appeal.
Hence, they instructed the priests to read to the faithful an appeal after each Divine Liturgy on the Sunday of the Prodigal Son on February 12.
The bishops also gave an example of a request for Litany: “We also pray that the triune God will exalt His holy faithful servants — the righteous Metropolitan Andrey and Patriarch Josyf and all the ascetics and confessors of the faith of our Church and people; we pray to You, O Lord, hear and have mercy on us.”
The UGCC Department for Information
