Knights of Columbus in Ukraine hold their 8th National Convention

According to information provided to RISU by the Knights of Columbus press office in Ukraine, several official international guests attended the event. These included Supreme Guardian Andrzej Anasiak, a representative of the Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus; Szymon Czyszek, Director of International Development for the Knights of Columbus in Europe; and Father Wiesław Lenartowicz, a former assistant to the National Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus in Poland.

On the first day of the convention, a meeting of the Knights of Columbus chaplains took place. The priests and spiritual advisors from various councils had the opportunity to share their experiences of ministry during the war, discuss the challenges of pastoral work, and explore ways to support people during such difficult times.

Bishop Mykhailo Bubniy, Exarch of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Exarchate of Odesa and National Chaplain for the Greek Catholic Knights of Columbus, addressed the participants. "Through the priest who tirelessly serves, through the Knight who helps others after work, and through the man who prays with his children and wife, God acts in the world. Thank you, brothers, for your service and for striving to remain beacons of hope during a time when the world is becoming increasingly cruel," said Bishop Mykhailo.

On Saturday, May 23, a working session of delegates took place, during which participants discussed the councils' activities, the development of the Order in Ukraine, challenges posed by wartime, and humanitarian services in communities.

The meeting began with a blessing from Bishop Bubniy and included addresses from Supreme Council guests, including a video message from Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly. National Delegate Mykola Mostovyak presented a report on the Order's activities in Ukraine for the fraternal year 2025–2026. During the session, elections for National Officers were held, resolutions were approved, and committee reports were reviewed.

Meanwhile, a separate program was organized for the Knights' wives, which included a city tour and a discussion on support and sensitive communication with veterans and military personnel who have experienced war.

In the evening, the Knights of Columbus gathered for a gala dinner and an awards ceremony to recognize the councils that had been particularly active in their service throughout the year. The participants of the Convention paid special tribute to the fallen brother knights who gave their lives for Ukraine's freedom and independence.

On Sunday, the Convention concluded with the Divine Liturgy, presided over by Roman Catholic Bishop Leon Dubravsky.

"The Knights' primary mission is to protect families and uphold the rights of Catholics. This is why Pope John Paul II referred to them as 'the right hand of the Church,'" the bishop emphasized in his address.

Background: The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic fraternal organization, uniting over two million members across various countries. The Order's activities are founded on the principles of charity, unity, brotherhood, and patriotism.

Since the onset of the full-scale war, the Knights of Columbus have actively supported Ukrainians, assisting affected communities, internally displaced persons, families of the fallen, and anyone facing difficult circumstances. Today, the Order remains one of the key centers of humanitarian, spiritual, and fraternal service in Ukraine.