Archbishop Lori visits Ukraine, praises resiliency of people in war-torn nation

Archbishop William E. Lori concelebrated Mass Oct. 19 at the Cathedral of St. Alexander of Kyiv.

“The resilience of the Ukrainian people is nothing short of extraordinary,” Archbishop Lori said in his homily. “Your courage, faith, and perseverance in the face of war remind us that God’s grace is with us.

“Just as Christ walked with the suffering, He walks with you now.  He is present in the courage of those defending their homeland, in the prayers of those who seek peace, and in the hands of those offering aid and comfort.”

Joining Archbishop Lori were Bishop Vitalii Kryvytskyi of Kyiv-Zhytomyr, Bishop Mykhaylo Bubniy of Ukrainian Greek Catholic Archiepiscopal Exarchate of Odessa and the Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, principal celebrant and Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine.

Several members of local Knights of Columbus chapters attended the Mass with their families.

After Mass, Archbishop Lori traveled Kyiv suburb of Bucha, the site of an atrocious war crime. Here, Russian armed forces murdered hundreds of innocent civilians, including children.

The visit crystallized the brutal reality of the war in Ukraine while also showing the strength and spirit of hope in Bucha. The Archbishop heard directly from families who lived through this massacre. The Knights provided coats to children whose fathers were murdered

The delegation also went to the church of Andrew the Apostle where a mass grave was dug to bury the dead of Bucha. Archbishop Lori prayed at the memorial on the site to commemorate those whose bodies were discovered.

Later that evening, Archbishop Lori attended a gathering hosted by the Knights of Columbus for widows and orphans. He spoke to them about the great care Blessed Michael McGivney provided for those who suffered with similar loss.

“For those of you who have lost loved ones, who are carrying the heavy burden of grief and loneliness, Blessed McGivney’s life speaks to you,” Archbishop Lori said. “He reminds us that we are called to hope — not a blind hope that ignores the reality of suffering but a Christian hope that looks beyond it. This hope sees the Cross of Christ as a sign that God is with us in our pain, and that through the Cross, we are led to resurrection and new life.”

Arhcbishop Lori was joined by Bishop Mykhaylo Bubniy of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Archiepiscopal Exarchate of Odessa. Bishop Bubniy led those gathered in a decade of the rosary followed by a reception in the church hall. Archbishop Lori spent the evening listening to the stories of women who had lost husbands, sons and brothers.

Archbishop Lori concelebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, the main cathedral of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, alongside Bishop Bubniy.  The beauty of the liturgy served as a powerful reminder of the enduring faith of the Ukrainian people in the midst of war.

After the liturgy, the Archbishop visited the crypt of the church and prayed at the tomb of Cardinal, Major Archbishop of Kyiv-Galicia,  Lubomyr Husar.

He then met with several members of the local Knights of Columbus chapters.  He heard about the incredible work they are doing to support those in need, their efforts to provide aid, and how they are helping many people cope with the immense challenges brought by the conflict.

He also met with Tetiana Stawnychy, the President of Caritas Ukraine.  They discussed the critical work Caritas is doing to provide comprehensive support for those most affected by the war and the need for sustainable solutions for social well-being in these trying times.  Caritas’ mission of service and hope is more vital than ever in Ukraine, and their efforts continue to be a lifeline for so many in need.

The Archbishop visited Lviv Monday.

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