STATEMENT OF THE UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC BISHOPS IN THE US
The events of the last days have shaken us to the core. The sight of Russian missiles exploding over peaceful Ukrainian communities, long lines of terrified residents fleeing their homes or huddled in metro stations for safety, and enemy tanks rolling through quiet residential neighborhoods evokes horrible memories of war torn Ukraine of the last century.
But, as difficult as it is for us to believe, this is the reality Ukraine faces today. Yet again, our peace-loving ancestral homeland has been forced to defend herself against evil forces that desire to enslave and destroy her.
In response to this unprovoked aggression on Ukraine on the part of the Russian Federation and the humanitarian crisis that is unfolding as a result, we continue to encourage you, our faithful to do three things:
Firstly, to continue to pray as you have been, that Almighty God would end the conflict, ease the suffering of innocent people and convert the hearts of the aggressors.
Secondly, to continue to counter disinformation being disseminated by the enemy and to speak the truth about Ukraine. Ukraine is once again the centre of attention of the American public. It is our obligation to inform Americans with objective facts.
Thirdly, to continue to aid our suffering brothers and sisters, financially and materially. As Christians, we are called to respond generously to the humanitarian crisis that is unfolding before our eyes.
There are numerous avenues available to provide monetary aid. If you so wish, your aid can be directed through a fund established by the Philadelphia Metropolia: “War Victims and Humanitarian Crisis in Ukraine”, which can be found on the website of the Philadelphia Archeparchy: www.ukrarcheparchy.us
Above all, let us not lose hope. As we sang only a few short weeks ago during the celebration of the feasts of the Birth and Baptism of Our Lord: “God is with us! Give ear, O you nations, and be humbled, for God is with us.”
We place the people, government and armed forces of Ukraine under the powerful Omophor of the Most Holy Mother of God.
+Borys Gudziak
Archbishop of Philadelphia
Metropolitan of Ukrainian Catholics in the United States
+Paul Chomnycky, OSBM
Eparch of Stamford
+Benedict Aleksiychuk
Eparch of St. Nicholas in Chicago
+ Bohdan J. Danylo
Eparch of St. Josaphat in Parma
+Andriy Rabiy
Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia
