Archbishop Borys Gudziak’s Statement for the Press on the Meeting in Alaska

August 16, 2025

I will be blunt: a genocidal war criminal—who speaks explicitly about his aggressive intentions to re-conquer the countries that freed themselves from the atheistic Soviet yoke—was welcomed on American territory and given red carpet treatment. The desultory discussions did not lead to a single concession on the part of the aggressor. Having ordered another barrage of deadly bombings on the day of the summit he was allowed to stand together with the president of the United States before a press conference backdrop “Pursuing Peace.”

The worst did not happen, those standing for freedom and the innocent citizens of Ukraine were not sold out—but the cause of freedom, justice and peace was not advanced.

This morning's prayer in our cathedral on the feast of the Dormition was one of confidence in the Lord and the protection of the Mother of God.

There is a great illusion that the mighty of this world determine history, decide our fate.

They do indeed have an impact, more often than not negative.

But the truth is that we are in the Lord's hands and His truth will prevail.

And as David stands against Goliath, we've seen one miracle after another.

And that miracle is the life, resilience and solidarity of the little ones who are willing to risk everything for the truth—the truth of human dignity, the truth of God-given freedom, and the truth that evil will not prevail.

Given the tremendous buildup, the hype regarding this meeting, it is clear that not much happened, providentially so.

The fundamental moral and geopolitical questions are not yet being faced squarely — neither by Russia nor the West. Until they do Ukrainians will be paying the ultimate price.

+ Borys

Ukrainian Catholic metropolitan of Philadelphia

Metropolitan