'Wish for great things!': Fr. Makariy Dutka dedicates his new record to Patriarch Josyf Slipyj

“I dedicate this record to our Most Blessed Patriarch Josyf Slipyj, who said: ‘Wish for great things!’” Fr. Makariy wrote on Facebook.

“Before the competition, I was walking down the street and casually thought it would be good to lift 210–215 kg. But then I asked myself: why aim so low? I recalled the well-known phrase of our Patriarch Josyf, and I resolved that if I won the competition and set a new record, I would dedicate it to him,” the monk-athlete shared with RISU.

“Wish for great things!” is the famous exhortation of Patriarch Josyf Slipyj, found in his 1957 message from exile. This phrase has inspired many generations, urging people to maintain their spiritual courage, set high and ambitious goals, and persevere even in the toughest circumstances.

“When I stepped onto the platform, I asked Jesus to hear Patriarch Josyf’s prayer for me. He heard our prayers, along with those of my inspiring coach, Pavlo Zinko. I am deeply grateful to him for his constant support,” Fr. Makariy said.

Additionally, he requests that, instead of sending congratulatory comments, people consider donating to the Armed Forces of Ukraine because “I’m doing all this for them and to support them.”

Donation details:

• PayPal: Mykola Dutka [email protected]
• PrivatBank: 5457082527545474 Mykola Dutka, https://www.privat24.ua/send/gmq32
• Monobank: 4441114429841834 Mykola Dutka, https://send.monobank.ua/jar/6o548eEajf