RCC bishops extend condolences to those affected by conflict escalation in ATO and urge faithful to pray for Ukraine

On February 1, the hierarchs of the Roman Catholic Church in Ukraine extended their condolences to the victims among the Ukrainian military and urged the faithful of the Catholic Church to pray for their country.

“The military conflict in eastern Ukraine unfortunately, has again escalated in recent days. Due to the attacks on Avdiyivka, a large area was left without water, electricity and heat.

We, the Roman Catholic bishops in Ukraine, want to express condolences to all those who today mourn their relatives, the victims of this tragedy. The Church does not forget about them and prays for those who lost their lives and for those affected by the consequences of military operations in the occupied territories of eastern Ukraine.

We also want to emphasize once again, as before, that no purpose, either political or social, may ever justify the madding sufferings of civilians.

Ukraine needs peace. We know that true peace can be only granted by the heavenly Father, but without our participation in prayer and spiritual support no initiative will reach the goal. Therefore, we urge all the faithful of the Catholic Church to pray for their homeland so that Lord God granted us the long-awaited peace,” the Roman Catholic bishops in Ukraine said in the statement.