“The Church Is Called to Be a Light to the World” — Bishop Bohdan Dzyurakh
Personal testimony, vibrant Christianity, and promoting knowledge of the saints and the blessed are three key aspects of spreading the Gospel in the modern world, Bishop Bohdan Dzyurakh, Apostolic Exarch in Germany and Scandinavia, shared in an interview with Zhyve Television.
Bishop Bohdan emphasized that the most essential element of preaching the Gospel is a personal example of faith. “When our people are not ashamed of their faith—when they go to church and, when asked at work, ‘Where were you yesterday?’ they naturally respond, ‘At church, attending the Divine Liturgy’—this prompts questions, surprise, and, I hope, encouragement,”the bishop said.
According to him, in economically developed countries where consumerism prevails, particularly in Germany, the testimony of a living faith is especially valuable. “The local people see that there are those for whom faith comes first—before wealth, recreation, or material possessions,” he added.
Another vital aspect of evangelization, Bishop Bohdan noted, is educating the faithful in the spirit of active Christianity. “We want people who come to church not to see it as a bureau of spiritual services, but as a place where they receive grace, strength, and inspiration to share beyond the parish community,” the apostolic exarch emphasized.
He also shared the example of a priest who placed an inscription on the churchyard gate: “Consider this, for you are entering mission territory.””This world we live in is missionary ground. The Lord has called us not just to be a light in the church, but a light for the world,” Bishop Bohdan emphasized.
The bishop also highlighted the importance of saints and blessed figures as embodiments of the “living Gospel.””If you want to know what Christianity is, show someone a Christian who truly lives the holy Gospel,”he said.
Bishop Bohdan added that events honoring the saints and blessed of the Ukrainian people provide an opportunity to showcase the heroism of priests, laity, and consecrated persons who remained faithful to God, the Church, and their people.
The UGCC Department for Information
