Video Message of the Head of the UGCC on the 180th Week of Full-Scale War, July 27, 2025
Glory to Jesus Christ!
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ!
It has been 180 weeks since Russian criminals waged a full-scale war on peaceful Ukrainian land. This week again brought destruction, nightly air strikes on our peaceful cities and villages, as well as fierce combat along the front lines, particularly in the north and east of our homeland.
Our city of Ivano-Frankivsk suffered heavily this week. The enemy also struck the historic center of Odesa, damaging many architectural monuments. Our city of Kharkiv continues to suffer nightly attacks. This week, the center of Kharkiv was once again damaged by guided bombs, and many people were wounded. Our long-suffering, heroic city of Sumy is also subjected to various types of attacks every day.
Still, we saw a few rays of hope this week. On July 23, another exchange of prisoners of war took place. In total, more than a thousand of our defenders have now returned home to their families and loved ones. On the same day, July 23, another round of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia took place in Istanbul. We accompany our delegation with prayers, asking God to bring this unjust war to an end.
Today, we once again express our gratitude to God and the Armed Forces of Ukraine for saving our lives. We are especially grateful to Ukraine’s air defense forces, who stand guard every night to protect our peaceful cities and villages.
We want the voice of Ukraine to be heard once again across the world—so that the world hears: Ukraine stands, Ukraine fights, and Ukraine prays.
Corruption is a crime against Ukraine. It is moral sabotage—against our state, our defense capabilities, and the resilience of the Ukrainian people.
Unfortunately, this week our society was once again outraged by the adoption of Law 12414, which restricts—or even eliminates—the independence of institutions created to combat corruption.
This has stirred the conscience of us Christians and responsible citizens alike. It has created dangerous social tensions, undermining public trust in the authorities and shaking the confidence of our international partners. The fight against corruption is part of our European choice. It was the demand of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred and of the Revolution of Dignity, which laid down the moral foundation for Ukraine’s modern development.
On behalf of the Church, I urge both our society and our leaders to engage in dialogue, to listen to one another, and to cooperate. We cannot allow internal strife to divide us. We must not give our enemies—especially those from within—any opportunity to weaken our national defense.
May our Christian conscience—the voice of God within every human soul—guide us in purifying our society of corruption, restoring trust between the state and the people, and strengthening Ukraine’s ties with the international community. Today, we must all say a resolute “No” to corruption. As a society—especially our youth—and as a government, we must declare zero tolerance for all forms of corruption. And today, every Ukrainian, regardless of their place in society, must make a solemn pledge before God and their people: “I will not give or take bribes.”
I want to thank our young people, who have taken up the responsibility for Ukraine’s moral renewal and who were the first to protest the dismantling of anti-corruption safeguards. But I also call on everyone to act with dialogue, civility, and peace—so that our righteous indignation does not inadvertently harm Ukraine’s ability to defend itself.
This coming week will be rich in significant events for youth. From July 28 to August 3, Rome will host a global youth pilgrimage to mark the Jubilee Year of Hope. Ukrainian youth will be well represented, becoming the young face of our nation at this global gathering.
Many important events will take place in Rome. In addition to their participation in the Pontifical Liturgy—where they will serve as ambassadors of Ukraine before the world—two key events will be held. On July 30, at our Cathedral of Sts. Sergius and Bacchus, a special event titled “Ukrainians for the World” will take place. On July 31, at the Basilica of St. Sophia, we will mark the World Day of Ukrainian Youth under the slogan “Gather in Dispersion.”
I express my heartfelt gratitude to all who have made these events possible: our Youth Commission, headed by Bishop Bryan Bayda of Toronto, all its staff, the group leaders, and our local team in Rome.
I especially invite Ukrainian youth to raise a strong voice of hope—from Ukraine, and for Ukraine—to the global Catholic community and to their peers arriving from every corner of the world for this Jubilee celebration in Rome. Our youth will not fail Ukraine, and Ukraine—our Church—walks this pilgrimage together with them.
We know that more than thirteen pilgrim groups of Ukrainian youth from around the world are already en route to the Eternal City. This week, in our prayers, we will ask for a special blessing upon our youth—that they may be strengthened by the grace of the Holy Spirit as they take part in these historic events.
God, bless Ukraine. Bless our young men and women on the front lines. Grant wisdom, integrity, clarity, and sincerity to our country’s leaders. Strengthen our people in this unequal struggle against the Russian aggressor. Bless our Ukrainian land, O Lord, with Your righteous 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.
