Thank you for your daily prayer and solidarity, which, indeed, saves lives: Head of the UGCC to Catholics in Europe
On Saturday, March 25, as a part of the annual prayer initiative of the Council of Bishops’ Conferences of Europe (CCEE), the Father and Head of the UGCC, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, presided over the Divine Liturgy for the victims of the brutal war and peace in Ukraine at the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Kyiv. On this day, the bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church will also unite in this prayer intention in their cathedrals.
In his homily, His Beatitude, Sviatoslav reminded us that the Saturday we are spiritually experiencing today is Lent’s third and last memorial Saturday. And this prayer for all the deceased Christians is now primarily offered for those who gave their lives for our homeland and our people.
“These days, the entire Catholic world, particularly in Europe, is tirelessly praying and fasting for Ukraine,” the Primate noted.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav emphasized that today, March 25, the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary feast is celebrated according to the new style, which the UGCC will adopt on September 1 this year. And on this day of the Annunciation, he noted, the baton of prayer for the eternal rest of all those innocently killed in Ukraine and for peace and victory of Ukraine is taken by us.
“Today, we feel united by this chain of continual prayer with Catholic Christians from different countries of Europe,” said the Father and Head of the UGCC.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav thanked good people from all over the world who stand in solidarity with Ukraine and pray for its victory: “Today we thank the whole world, all the noble people, for their solidarity with Ukraine, for their daily tireless prayer, for their daily and unwavering support. We can now tell them from Ukraine: ‘Your solidarity with us, prayer, and humanitarian aid save lives, and all indifference kills.’”
