“We meet people who take our burdens and crosses on their shoulders”: Bishop Bohdan Dziurakh in Munich
On April 7, 2023, the Stations of the Cross of the Nations was held in Munich, led by the Archbishop of Munich and Freising, Cardinal Reinhard Marx. The procession began at the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel. Bishop Bohdan Dziurakh, Apostolic Exarch for Ukrainians of the Byzantine Rite in Germany and Scandinavia, addressed the faithful gathered for the passionate, prayerful event.
Speaking of the Savior’s suffering as a source of strength for each person in their daily afflictions, the bishop touched upon the suffering of the Ukrainian people, which Ukrainians are experiencing from the Russian occupiers. Bishop Bohdan also expressed his gratitude to the people of Germany, who commiserated with Ukrainians who fled their homes to escape the war.
After the procession on St. Mary’s Square, Cardinal Marx called on those present to be sensitive to the suffering of the Ukrainian people, uniting in prayer and works of Christian love. At the same time, Archbishop Reinhardt assured the Apostolic Exarch Bishop Bohdan of his fraternal support.
It is worth noting that at the head of the procession were children from Ukraine who carried a crucifix. All participants in the event received consecrated pectoral crosses, which are traditionally given every year to those who unite in this prayer on Good Friday. The seventh station of the procession was led by Ukrainians, who also sang the troparion of Holy Cross Sunday. The spiritual reflection at each station included texts of contemplation by Fr. Romano Guardini.
