The head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, whose name was on a “hit list” when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, will be visiting the US on the eve of the invasion’s third anniversary.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head and father of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, will celebrate a Divine Liturgy in Philadelphia, visit with communities of Ukrainian refugees and with political leaders, and deliver an academic address at The Catholic University of America.
"His Beatitude’s presence will offer a message of compassion, solidarity, and hope to Ukrainians and to everyone in need of healing, prayer, and pastoral support," Metropolitan Archbishop of Philadelphia Borys Gudziak, said in a press release announcing the visit, which runs from February 15-21.
After annexing the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea in 2014 and militarily supporting separatists in eastern Ukraine for eight years, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
With the military aid of the United States and other western countries, Ukraine has defended itself to a great extent, but about 19% of its territory is occupied by Russia. Millions of Ukrainians have become displaced.
This week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that between 300,000 and 350,000 Russian soldiers have been killed in the war, according to the Institute for the Study of War. In December, Zelensky said that 43,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed.
In the early days of the war, a list was discovered of people in military, government and civic leadership positions who were targeted for assassination – apparently because they would encourage continued Ukrainian resistance to Russian occupation. His Beatitude Sviatoslav’s name was on the list, and he shared with Aleteia how Russian agents had infiltrated the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Kyiv.
Seeking hope
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, who leads 5 million Ukrainian Catholics worldwide, has sought to give his flock moral support through a daily – now weekly – video message.
He has also traveled to various communities in Ukraine and has sought the support of friends in other countries by traveling to Rome and other parts of Europe, as well as North America. He has had several meetings – in person and by phone – with Pope Francis. At the end of last year, he revealed that the Pope accepted an invitation to visit Ukraine during the Jubilee Year; the Holy See has not confirmed that trip, considering the continued difficulties it would imply -- above all for the safety of Ukrainians who would gather at papal events.
Last year, His Beatitude Sviatoslav visited Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and other political leaders.
His Beatitude has laid a heavy emphasis on the need for healing in the midst of war -- for wounded soldiers and civilians, widows of fallen soldiers, and traumatized children.
Schedule in USA
On Sunday, February 16, His Beatitude will preside over the Pontifical Divine Liturgy at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia, joined by the Ukrainian Catholic Bishops of the United States, clergy and the faithful.
Later that day, he will lead a Prayer for Hope & Perseverance, Peace & Justice in Ukraine at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia. Philadelphia Archbishop Nelson Pérez is expected to be present, as well as Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, other Catholic bishops of Pennsylvania, four Ukrainian Catholic bishops from the US, and leaders of other Christian denominations.
Just prior to this, the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia will sponsor a 24-hour program, “Jubilee Year of Hope: A Special 24-Hour Program of Spiritual Renewal.” Beginning on February 15, the program, which will be centered at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, will include prayer services, spiritual reflections, and opportunities for Confession and personal guidance. The cathedral has been designated as a pilgrimage site for the Jubilee Year.
"We warmly invite all to participate in this spiritual journey centered on the themes of hope, perseverance, peace, and justice," said Archbishop Gudziak. “Through prayer and liturgy, Bible study, reflection on crucial personal and community challenges, and joyful fellowship, we seek to strengthen our bonds as a faith community and reaffirm our commitment to living out the Gospel in our daily lives.”
Sviatoslav will continue his visit to the US with an Academic Address at The Catholic University of America, Tuesday, February 18, at 5 p.m. He will speak about pastoral concerns amid war.
That evening, he will lead a prayer service at the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family in Washington.
“His Beatitude comes to give his blessing and support to all of us, especially to forced migrants, the wounded and traumatized , the anxious and disoriented," said Archbishop Gudziak. "He will offer a message of hope."
