The head of the UGCC: Ukraine, being crucified, will overcome this time of suffering and trial
The Head of the UGCC noted that this is already the second time we have to celebrate Easter in conditions of war. This year, these military circumstances are particularly affecting our celebrations, because anxiety does not leave society.
"The enemy does not miss any opportunity to inflict the greatest harm, the greatest pain, the greatest destruction on our people and our state. Also, the enemy does not leave anything to use the religious aspect of the life of Ukrainians to destabilize the internal peace of our Motherland.”
Patriarch Sviatoslav emphasizes that we are coming to a deeper understanding that the Gospel account of Christ's suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection is not solely about him, as we celebrate Easter amidst the ongoing conflict. This is a reality that opens history and ourselves in the circumstances of war.
"We know," he says, "that crucifixion is not eternal. It is the key to resurrection. And therefore, for us today, this Easter mystery speaks in a special way."
"Today, we can say that we will heal all our wounds because Christ is risen. Today we believe and know that we will rebuild our cities and villages, which were destroyed by the Russian occupier because Christ is risen! We know and believe that we will be able to withstand this uneven battle and win this war. We know that all the children of Ukraine who are now scattered in many countries of the world as refugees will return home to celebrate Easter in Ukraine. Because Christ is risen," emphasized His Beatitude Sviatoslav.
We are sharing with you, dear brothers and sisters, the Easter joy from Ukraine. To all of you who hear me today, I wish great heavenly joy, which comes not from people, but from God," the hierarch wished to all believers and people of good will.
