“Ukraine still stands because her people believe in God,” - the Head of the UGCC addressed the members of the Pontifical Synod in the Vatican

This was reported by the Information Department of the UGCC.

Speaking to the members of the Pontifical Synod in the Vatican, His Beatitude Sviatoslav spoke about the situation in Ukraine and thanked the Catholic world for the solidarity and support of the Ukrainian people. “Although Ukraine is exhausted, it perseveres and fights because her people believe in God,” said the Head of the UGCC.

In his address to the delegates from different countries at the Pontifical Synod, His Beatitude Sviatoslav spoke about the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, “which in the third year of the war is resisting Russian aggression through Christian solidarity.” He recalled that 14 million Ukrainians were forced to flee their homes, 6 million fled their homeland, and out of the four missiles fired at Ukraine, every third one Russia directed towards civilian objects, “systematically destroying our infrastructure and provoking new waves of refugees.” “We are facing the most dramatic humanitarian situation since the Second World War,” the Primate emphasized.

In the context of the theme of synodality, His Beatitude Sviatoslav pointed to the exchange of gifts between churches, cultures and peoples. “It is not about some abstract idea, but a concrete Christian solidarity that saves lives,” said the Head of the UGCC and thanked the representatives of the Churches from different countries for their solidarity and hospitality to Ukrainians. “By accepting our women and children, you receive the best part of our society as a gift,” said His Beatitude Sviatoslav.

The 5th General Congregation of the Pontifical Synod was attended by His Holiness Pope Francis. In total, the Synod is attended by 368 delegates, including 272 bishops and representatives of other Churches. At the conclusion of the Synod, a document will be voted on and presented to the Holy Father as the fruit of the synodal work.