“Our path is the path of self-sacrificial love,” emphasize the bishops of the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the United States in a pastoral letter released on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America. Reflecting on the history of American freedom in light of Ukraine’s current struggle, the authors remind us that human dignity and freedom are gifts from God. These gifts cannot be preserved solely through laws or the authority of state institutions.
"Only a society built on mutual trust, solidarity, a willingness to make sacrifices, and love for one's neighbor is capable of withstanding crises, preserving freedom, and not losing its spiritual foundations," the bishops emphasize in their Pastoral Letter.
The document discusses the role of the Ukrainian community in America, which has been part of the country's history for 140 years. It emphasizes the responsibility of every generation of Americans, including the current one, to preserve and renew the freedoms entrusted to them.
The bishops highlight that the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence signifies more than just the nation's founding. It also celebrates a rich heritage spanning over two and a half centuries, recognizing the contributions of all those who have shaped this country, including Americans of Ukrainian descent. Among them are the faithful of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.
"Freedom is not free. Americans have known this and have paid for it in blood throughout their history. Today, Ukrainians are paying the same price in their own blood. Their struggle, however, is not for Ukraine alone. It is a witness to the world that the principles of the American founding are not the property of one nation or one moment in history. They are universal, and they are always worth defending," the bishops emphasize.
They stress that the bond between America and Ukraine is not merely historical.
"Both peoples have known the defense of human dignity against forces that would diminish or extinguish it. Their intuition about this dignity — both its holiness and its fragility — is an inheritance that both nations hold in trust. What we still hold to be true is this: dignity and liberty are not self-sustaining. They must be cared for and protected. Their continuance summons us to a communal commitment, to accept responsibility not only for our own flourishing but for that of others. Where that commitment is alive, human life thrives. Where it is absent, even the strongest state, as Sheptytsky warned, is bound to decline and even collapse," the document states.
"The Church is not a political organization, yet she charges the laity in particular to animate civil society through Christ-minded involvement in the political process. This begins with maintaining basic political literacy — always enlightened by the Gospel and informed by the Church's social teaching — and with basic political participation in the electoral process. All Christian members of a democracy should continually form their civic consciences and exercise their right to vote. This is a citizen's duty and moral obligation. Christians should also be ready to serve in public and governmental roles, thus bringing the love and truth of the Gospel into those spheres. The path forward we are proposing is not a political or ideological program. It is a spiritual one. It begins with the willingness to be divinely transformed in our understanding of who God is, who we are, what we owe one another, and what kind of people we intend to be," conclude the bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church of the United States.
On the occasion of the United States' Independence Day, the bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in the U.S. released a video message to the American people. In the message, they expressed gratitude to God for the gift of this country and wished for God's blessing, peace, and unity for the nation.
"Happy Birthday, America! We thank God for all the gifts He bestows upon you, and we express our gratitude to all Americans for the love and warmth we share," the bishops noted.
They emphasized the importance of recognizing the dignity of every individual and cherishing the mutual love that represents the true beauty of American society.
"May God help us always remember that every person has inherent dignity, and that the beauty of our America lies in the love we share," the message reads.
In closing, the bishops offered their wishes for God's blessings, peace, and openness for the United States and also kept Ukraine in their prayers.
"May God bless America, making it a welcoming and open mother to many. May peace and joy reign in America, in Ukraine, and among Americans and Ukrainians alike. Many happy returns, our dear America! Happy Independence Day!"