Video-message of the Head of the UGCC on the 155th Week of Full-Scale War, February 2, 2025
Glory to Jesus Christ!
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ!
The 155th week of this terrible war is coming to an end. We long for the day when we can finally say that the counting of days, nights, and weeks has ceased—together with the long-awaited word: peace. Yet, this past week in Ukraine has once again been marked by blood, tears, and woe.
We prayed for our wounded city of Sumy, where a Russian drone struck a multi-story building, killing nearly ten people and injuring many others. Likewise, this week, our city of Odesa suffered severe damage. The enemy targeted Odesa’s historic center with missiles, destroying more than 15 architectural monuments recognized by UNESCO as part of the world’s cultural heritage. Our peaceful city of Poltava was also struck, leaving many dead and wounded. Zaporizhzhia, as ever, remains in our thoughts—this week again marked by pain, loss, and destruction.
And yet, in the midst of such brutality, a recent sociological study reveals a striking reality: the role and presence of churches in a war-torn society are growing stronger. Ukraine’s religious landscape is evolving, and the voice of the Church continues to rise.
Interestingly, the Razumkov Research Center reports a sharp decline in the number of people identifying as Orthodox—now just 55% of Ukrainians. Meanwhile, a growing number, about 10%, now simply call themselves Christians, without affiliating with any particular denomination. Another 18 % say they have no religious affiliation at all—perhaps a vast field for missionary work.
At the same time, our Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church is expanding. Even we do not fully understand where these new numbers are coming from, but the latest data shows a record number of faithful in our country. Today, 12% of Ukrainians identify as Greek Catholic—a remarkable 4% increase since the last survey.
A Church that can respond to people’s spiritual search and bear authentic witness to Christ—even at the cost of martyrdom, confession, and its own blood—is a Church that powerfully proclaims the Gospel and carries the hope of salvation.
As we reflect on this week, we say once again: Ukraine stands! Ukraine fights! Ukraine prays!
A truly historic event took place this week—the meeting of Ukrainian youth with Pope Francis. For the first time ever, such a gathering was held via teleconference, bringing together young Ukrainians from across the country. Our Patriarchal Cathedral welcomed faithful young men and women, seminarians, and representatives from all our Roman Catholic and Greek Catholic dioceses.
More than 200 participants attended the meeting at the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Resurrection in Kyiv. Ukrainian youth who have been forced to leave their homeland due to the war also joined from Warsaw, Chicago, Munich, and London.
We had the privilege of listening to Pope Francis, and the young people were able to ask him their most pressing questions. The conversation was heartfelt and deeply sincere.
But what left the greatest impression on all of us were the Pope’s words about Ukrainian patriotism. When a young girl asked him about the mission of Ukrainian youth today, the Holy Father responded simply yet profoundly:
“When everything is good, when life flows smoothly, a young person’s vocation seems to unfold naturally. But in times of trouble, in times of war—as in Ukraine—young people must love their homeland. The vocation of Ukrainian youth is patriotism.”
As he spoke, Pope Francis held in his hands the cover of a Holy Scriptures that had belonged to a soldier killed in Avdiivka, with these verses from the Psalms underlined: “Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord. Lord, hear my voice!”
On his desk, the Pope keeps this soldier’s rosary and prays with it.
In that moment, he held up this young man as a model for all Ukrainian youth—a symbol of their vocation, their duty, and their sacrifice. And we all felt the sincerity in the Pope’s voice, the gratitude in our hearts for his presence, and the power of his words, which were nothing less than the voice of God speaking to our people.
“Do not forget those who gave their lives for Ukraine.”
With these words, Pope Francis concluded his conversation with Ukrainian youth. That is why this teleconference was more than just a meeting—it was a bridge, a sign of hope.
O God, bless Ukraine! Bless our youth—the young men and women who are the face of Your hope amid the trials of war in our long-suffering homeland. Bless our army, our soldiers on the frontlines. Bless our volunteers, our workers, all who sustain our people and economy. Bless our society. O God, bless Your children with Your just and heavenly peace!
The blessing of the Lord be upon you, through His grace and love for mankind, always, now and forever, and for the ages of ages. Amen.
