“We Hope the Light from Eastern Ukraine Will Illuminate Europe and the World”—Bishop Bohdan Dzyurakh
Bishop Bohdan Dzyurakh, Apostolic Exarch for Ukrainians in Germany and Scandinavia, during a pastoral visit to the Ukrainian community of St. Basil the Great in Stuttgart (Germany) on January 12, 2025, emphasized the role of the three cities in the life of Jesus Christ and their significance for every Christian. He compared these cities to the life paths of the faithful and the spiritual stages passed by each person.
This was reported by the press office of the Apostolic Exarchate for Ukrainians of the Byzantine rite in Germany and Scandinavia.
The bishop noted that “the Holy land for Ukrainians is their homeland, which today, unfortunately, is being drenched in blood and rivers of tears. However, this very pain, suffering, and struggle for the sanctity of the native land becomes the strength that uplifts the people of Ukraine, faithful and holy.”
In his sermon, Bishop Bohdan reflected on the three cities that determine the life of Jesus: Nazareth, Capernaum, and Jerusalem. Then he called on people to recall the cities through which their life’s journey passed in order to thank God for those who came into their lives.
“Many of you were forced to flee your Nazareth involuntarily, leaving your homes to save your lives,” the preacher said, referring to the war with the Russian invaders, which caused many Ukrainians to leave their homes and seek refuge in foreign lands.
“Home and family comfort are created by the people who live in this house, as well as their love and affection. This gives us a sense of family,” the bishop continued.
“We minister to many people, but an even greater ministry is being performed today by our soldiers who left their Nazareth and went to meet their Jerusalem, a place of self-sacrifice, a place of love even unto death, at the cost of their own lives, and death. This is the Jerusalem that is not in Kyiv today, but there on the eastern borders of Europe, in eastern Ukraine. Our Calvary is there now, but we, as believers, understand that the light of the resurrection shone from that Jerusalem for our people. We hope that the light from eastern Ukraine will shine for Europe and the entire world,” the bishop said with hope.
In conclusion, Bishop Bohdan Dzyurakh called on all the faithful to be bearers of the light of Christ, which is meant to illuminate not only their hearts but also the lives of those around them. The bishop reminded that the light of the resurrection is mightier than any hardships a person faces in life, and this light should illuminate not only homes but also the entire Ukraine, Europe, and the world.
“May this light of the resurrection guide us through all difficulties, help us to stay together and restore our lands, our families and our Church,” Bishop Bohdan Dzyurakh concluded his sermon, praying for peace and revival of Ukraine.
The UGCC Department for Information
