A Divine Liturgy for pilgrims took place at the Basilica of the Holy Trinity in Fátima, Portugal. This event was the highlight of this year's All-Ukrainian Pilgrimage and united Ukrainian believers in prayer for peace and support for the defenders of Ukraine.
This was announced on Facebook by the Ukrainian Embassy in Portugal.
The liturgy was led by Bishop Stepan Sus, Head of the Pastoral and Migration Department of the Patriarchal Curia of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. He was joined in concelebration by Bishop Paul Chomnycky from the Eparchy of Stamford of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in the USA. Attendees at the service prayed for spiritual support for Ukrainians around the world and for the nation's unity.
Maryna Mykhailenko, Ukraine’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Portuguese Republic, participated in the pilgrimage.
Speaking to the faithful on the Day of Remembrance for Victims of Political Repression, she emphasized the historical parallels between the crimes committed by the Soviet regime and the current aggression displayed by Russia.
She called for a collective prayer for the soldiers, prisoners of war, and civilians, as well as for Ukrainian children who have been forcibly deported and abducted by Russia.
In her speech, Maryna Mykhailenko quoted Patriarch Josyf Slipyj, who spent 18 years in Soviet camps: “Do not be afraid of difficulties and obstacles, for God is with us. Believe in the great and bright future of the Ukrainian Church and people, for after Golgotha, the Resurrection will surely come.”
The embassy highlighted that the prayer attended by thousands at the world-famous spiritual center of Fátima was a powerful reminder of the unity among Ukrainians around the globe and the importance of maintaining faith during challenging times.