Imagine leaving the home where you once felt safe — as did 14 million Ukrainians. Imagine packing a lifetime into a single backpack —as eight million were forced to do.

Imagine embarking on an arduous journey, filled with fear and uncertainty —as did so many mothers and children. Imagine arriving in a new country, facing unfamiliar challenges —as approximately 300,000 Ukrainians who came to the US. Imagine the struggle of starting over.

Now imagine being welcomed. Being embraced. Being healed. Being whole. Imagine compassion and solidarity. Imagine communion and community. Imagine being part of the response —as many of you have been.

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

As we journey through the Great Fast, we are continuously reminded of its three pilars— prayer, fasting, and almsgiving— designed to deepen our relationship with God, ourselves, and others. Almsgiving, or helping our neighbor, is at the heart of our Christian faith, manifesting our love, empathy, solidarity, and social responsibility.

We live in turbulent times. Due to changes in U.S. policies and federal funding, many Catholic charitable organizations are forced to scale down their operations, limiting their ability to assist migrants, refugees, the poor, and the destitute. Our Mother Church in Ukraine continues to suffer from the brutality of war.

In the face of fear and despair, Iurge you to hear the words of St. Teresa of Avila:
"Christ has no body on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes with which He looks compassionately on this world. Yours are the feet with which He walks to do good. Yours are the hands with which He blesses all the world."

Let us channel our emotions into actions and counter cruelty with compassion.

This Lent, I ask you to support the Social Outreach Office of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, headed by Marta Rubel, to strengthen its ministry to newcomers. Established three years ago to respond to the influx of Ukrainians fleeing the brutal and unjust Russian invasion, the Office has become a vital hub of support and information. Through partnerships with Catholic, interfaith, and secular institutions, it gathers and disseminates critical information on legal changes, available programs, job and educational opportunities, and other essential resources. As our parishes have become a network of welcome, the Social Outreach Office works closely with parish priests to equip them with tools to better assist newcomers.

Lent is a time to reflect, to grow, and to share Christ's love in real ways. As we prepare for Easter, may our Lenten sacrifices bring comfort and hope to those who need it most. May we all help as much as we can.

Come, Lord! Maranatha!

Most Rev. Borys Gudziak
Metropolitan Archbishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia

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