Church, Diplomats, and Lawmakers Join in Prayer for Ukraine at Capitol Hill Mass

November 20, 2025

On November 19, Archbishop Borys Gudziak participated in a Mass for Ukraine celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. The liturgy was offered by the parish pastor, Fr. William H. Gurnee III, with concelebrants Very Rev. Mitred Archpriest Mark Morozowich and Fr. Mykola Dziurakh.

Ambassador Olha Stefanishyna, recently appointed Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States, participated in the liturgy that gathered parishioners as well as members of Congress, their staff, and members of the Ukrainian community of Washington, D.C.

After the Mass, Archbishop Gudziak addressed the congregation, speaking about the horrific attack earlier that same morning in Ternopil, where twenty-five innocent civilians lost their lives in a Russian missile strike. He reflected on the suffering of the Ukrainian people and emphasized the urgent need for solidarity, prayer, and moral resolve.

As the Church prepares for the encounter with Christ in His Nativity, the Archbishop called the faithful to preserve faith and hope amid tragedy and to stand firmly with all who bear the heavy cost of war.

Photos: Embassy of Ukraine in the USA / Посольство України в США