A record number of Ukrainian faithful gathered at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia to celebrate the Year of Hope. The celebration was led by the Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, together with the Bishops of the Ukrainian Catholic Dioceses of the United States. The faithful had the opportunity for confession, communion and absolution, and the prayer for peace in Ukraine united clergy, monks, soldiers and Ukrainians from all over America.
This was reported by the Philadelphia Archeparchy of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church..
On February 15-17, the Archeparchy of Philadelphia hosted thousands of faithful who came to celebrate the Year of Hope. These days became a special time of prayer, spiritual renewal and unity for the Ukrainian community.
The festivities began on the evening of February 15 with a candlelight vigil in the Cathedral, where the faithful recited the Jesus Prayer, had the opportunity to confess, and received the blessing of oil in prayer for healing.
The main event on February 16 was the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy presided over by His Beatitude Sviatoslav in concelebration with the Ukrainian Catholic Bishops of America.
"Today I would like to express my deep gratitude to the Ukrainian community in the United States of America for fighting for Ukraine in the way you know how, can and are called to do," said His Beatitude Sviatoslav.
The final day of celebrations concluded with a prayer for hope and perseverance, peace and justice in Ukraine, led by Patriarch Sviatoslav and Archbishop Nelson Perez at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.
"We want peace. Every Ukrainian wants peace - nights without airplane sirens, mornings without explosions, days without casualties, and nights without fear. But a ceasefire is not peace, and a political agreement cannot bring justice. A ceasefire that makes people suffer under occupation is a cruel mockery. Without justice, peace is impossible - it becomes an illusion, an empty promise. Ukrainians want a just and lasting peace. A peace that not only stops the bloodshed, but also restores dignity and freedom for all," His Beatitude said during a prayer for Ukraine.
"Together with His Beatitude Sviatoslav, we offered our prayers for peace in Ukraine. All those present who came to the Holy Sacrament of Confession and Communion and prayed according to the intentions of the Holy Father received full absolution. Together with the monks, clergy, Ukrainians from all over America and the soldiers who have defended our country with dignity, we experienced this day as a special sign of God's grace and hope. May this blessed day be a source of hope and strength for all of us," added the Philadelphia Archeparchy of the UGCC.
On February 17, the Father and Head of the UGCC, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, met with the clergy and monks of America. This meeting was an opportunity for prayer, sharing of experiences and fraternal communication.
During the meeting, His Beatitude shared his vision for the future of the Church and thanked the clergy for their sacrificial service. поділився своїм баченням майбутнього Церкви та подякував служителям за їхнє жертовне служіння.
It is worth noting that the festive events included spiritual reflections, panel discussions, film screenings, catechesis for children and choir rehearsals, worship and meetings with the clergy. Special attention was given to reflections on hope in difficult times: from biblical reflections to discussions on a just peace in the context of the war in Ukraine.
Photos and video: Archeparchy of Philadelphia
Author: Inna Mikhno