On February 14, 2025, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, together with his personal secretary, Fr Oleh Oleksa, arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (USA). At the Philadelphia International Airport, the Head of the Church was met by Metropolitan Borys Gudziak accompanied by the clergy and youth of the Archeparchy of Philadelphia.
As reported by the UGCC Department for Information, His Beatitude Sviatoslav arrived in the United States on the eve of the tragic third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine to support the faithful, many of whom were forced by the war to leave their homes and seek refuge in America.
“The presence of His Beatitude Sviatoslav becomes a token of compassion, solidarity and hope for Ukrainians and all those seeking healing, prayer and pastoral support,” said Metropolitan Borys Gudziak of Philadelphia the day before.
Key Events of the Visit
February 16, Philadelphia
His Beatitude Sviatoslav to preside over the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at 11:00 (18:00 Kyiv time) in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in the United States, clergy and faithful will participate. The liturgy will be rebroadcast by Zhyve Television.
At 16:00 the same day, an ecumenical prayer service for hope, resilience, peace, and justice in Ukraine will take place at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia, led by Archbishop Nelson Perez and His Beatitude Sviatoslav. Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, numerous Catholic bishops of Pennsylvania, four Ukrainian bishops of the United States and representatives of other denominations are expected to attend.
Jubilee Year of Hope: A Program of Spiritual Renewal
On the occasion of the Jubilee Year of Hope proclaimed by Pope Francis, the Archeparchy of Philadelphia has designed a 24-hour program of spiritual renewal that will take place from February 15–16 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, which has been designated a pilgrimage site for the Jubilee. The program includes:
Divine services
Spiritual reflections
Confession and spiritual conversations with priests
The Archeparchy of Philadelphia cordially invites everyone to share in this spiritual journey centered on the themes of hope, resilience, peace, and justice. “Through prayer, liturgy, Scripture study, reflection on important personal and social challenges, and friendly communication, we aim to strengthen our faith and reinforce our commitment to the Gospel in our daily lives,” said Metropolitan Borys Gudziak.
February 18, Washington, DC
Speech of the Father and Head of the UGCC at the Catholic University of America on the Pastoral Challenges of War
Prayer in the National Cathedral of the Holy Family, which will be led by His Beatitude Sviatoslav
During the visit, His Beatitude Sviatoslav will meet with political, public, and government officials, to advocate for peace and justice for Ukraine.