The other day, the Father and Head of the UGCC, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, visited the priests and parishes of the Kyiv “Everyone lives and works for victory.” —His Beatitude Sviatoslav, on the visit of the priests of the Kyiv Archeparchy, in particular those directly adjacent to the war zone.
The Head of the Church was joined by the Head of the Information Department of the UGCC, Fr. Ihor Yatsiv, patriarchal economist Fr. Lubomyr Yavorsky, and military chaplain Fr. Rostyslav Vysochan.
The priests once again brought humanitarian aid to the Zhytomyr region, which regularly provides necessary items to the civilian population and the military in hot spots and temporarily occupied territories.
Among the most needed items delivered were two generators for the 30th brigade. Military chaplain Fr. Andriy Okrepky serves there. The chaplain himself admits that he considered various options to invite His Beatitude Sviatoslav to visit the parish, but today he rejoices at the unexpected opportunity to greet the Head of the Church.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav notes that it is the duty of every bishop to visit his priests, people, and parishes.
“I see victory in the eyes of our priests and people. Everyone lives and works for it in their own way. Someone is a military chaplain, someone is engaged in humanitarian aid, transferring it to hot spots, someone supports the refugees of the first wave in their parishes,” added the Head of the UGCC.
We are very grateful to His Beatitude Sviatoslav, says the priest from Zhytomyr Oleh Luchka, for his support, parental hugs and prayers. He added, “This is a special support for our dean’s office.”
The military medical chaplain of the Kyiv “Everyone lives and works for victory.” —His Beatitude Sviatoslav, on the visit of the priests of the Kyiv Archeparchy Fr. Vitaliy Voietsa said, “We are very glad that our Patriarch visited us, supported us with words and prayers. We hope that in the near future we will meet in free Kyiv and Irpin and together we will celebrate our victory. Let’s work together to win!”
Such meetings bring not only positive emotions, but a feeling of happiness from the opportunity to be with the Head of the Church in the midst of military circumstances, says Fr. Roman Shkribynets.
“The Father and Head of our Greek Catholic Church gave a blessing to the surroundings of the city, the inhabitants, and our army. For me, this is a great joy. May God’s grace and peace descend on our blessed land through the prayers of His Beatitude Sviatoslav. Thank you for the opportunity to experience this meeting,” said Fr. Ivan Tsyhuliak.
“In the eyes of the people and my priests, I saw victory. I think it will materialize and come. Because it is already felt here, in particular, in the Zhytomyr, Kyiv, and Vinnytsia regions. May the Lord God bless us!” wished the Father and Head of the UGCC.
Information Department of the UGCC