Delegation from the Archeparchy of Philadelphia Visits Ukraine
A delegation from the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia visited Ukraine this week, meeting with Church leaders and organizations serving those affected by the war.
The group included Andrea Ann Kochan Neagle, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Allentown; Stefanie A. Kochan; Fr. Michael Hutsko; and Fr. John Seniw.
The visit featured meetings with the rehabilitation centers UNBROKEN and Superhumans, as well as a tour of the campus of the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv. The delegation also met with Metropolitan Ihor Vozniak and Auxiliary Bishop Volodymyr Hrutsa and visited St. George’s Cathedral.
The group took part in a prayer service at Lychakiv Cemetery, where fallen soldiers are buried, and later visited the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul. There, they met with military chaplains and learned about the chaplaincy’s service during the war.
Metropolitan Ihor and Bishop Volodymyr expressed gratitude to the visitors for their solidarity. “The members of the delegation,” Bishop Volodymyr noted, “showed great interest in the pastoral life of our Archeparchy.”
Archbishop Borys Gudziak, speaking on behalf of the delegation, responded: “We sincerely thank Metropolitan Ihor and Bishop Volodymyr for their warm hospitality. Thank you for the inspiration, for the steadfastness of the Lviv Archeparchy and the People of God. May God’s truth prevail! Our prayers and the solidarity of the faithful in America are with you.”
Fr. Michael Hutsko has also been sharing reflections from the trip on his social media.
September 3
Last night around 12:30 the sirens sounded signaling a Russian attack on Lviv. Having made my way to the bomb shelter in our building I experienced firsthand the human suffering this war has engendered. There I saw college students, parents with little children, adults of all ages…more than 100 people…all seeking safety and solace in each other’s presence. I couldn’t help thinking this is 2025, how can the world stand by and allow this to happen in places all over Ukraine! Then I looked harder and I saw resilience…I saw quiet yet strong determination to endure in order to be free…I saw neighbors and communities reaching out to comfort friend and stranger alike. The humanity and dignity of each person spoke loud and clear about this war. Putin seeks to snuff out and kill all things holy, noble and good. Sharing the night with these good people while the sounds of bombs filled the air and the rumble of their impact made the floor Quake I witnessed the very best of humanity. Finally around 4:09am the all clear sounded and life went back to normal. This morning these same people have returned to their everyday routine. I however begin the day with a much deeper appreciation of life and how precious it is. The people of little part of Ukraine have touched my soul deeply. Pray for them, pray for an end to this insane war. Pray for a just peace.
September 4
Yesterday, last night and today have been quiet in and around Lviv…indeed a welcome calm. We have had to opportunity to visit two rehabilitation centers/hospitals where severely wounded veterans are receiving treatment and being prepared to become active members of society again. Visits to UNBROKEN and SUPERHUMAN allowed us to see firsthand the personal ravages of war. We visited soldiers who have lost limbs, have been disfigured and suffer PTSD. We observed the professionals who treat them with dignity and work tirelessly to help them overcome their wounds…to give them the chance to live as normal a life as possible. Once again I learned that what comfort I can provide pales in comparison to what they are teaching me. Victory comes to those who persevere, happiness is not about what you are but about who you are, that we are all wounded in some way but together we heal. Jesus speaks to us in community. At these two places the Lord who was also wounded, is tangibly present offering healing to these hero’s of Ukraine. Pray for them!
September 5
A chance encounter in a military cemetery today. A mom and dad sitting at the grave of their son. We greeted them, offered sympathy and gratitude for the life of this hero of Ukraine. They share the story of his voluntary enlistment and of his desire to free Ukraine. They spoke with pride but also with sadness. They told us about the care he had for his men, how he would secretly bring treats to them on the Feast of St. Nicholas, how he felt like a father to those men, how he remembered birthdays and holidays. These parents shared with us Face-time videos he sent them from the front in Donbas and told them not to worry. They asked us to pray with them. During our prayer tears flowed down the cheeks of this father grieving a lost child. When it was time to move on, they asked that we keep the memory of Volodymyr alive. Consider it done mom and dad! This is the raw emotion that exists just below the surface in the life of every Ukrainian. This nation only wants a just peace. Pray God it comes soon…pray God it comes before another mom and dad have to suffer the loss of a precious child. We did so much more today with visits throughout the city. Let this suffice for what we have encountered everywhere.
September 6
The courage, strength and determination of a people and a nation…even in the midst of a savage war of aggression Russia has unleashed on Ukraine….children play in the fountain in front of the Lviv Opera House, families stroll the tree-lined avenues, the elderly gather for a game of chess. I am proud to be Ukrainian!
***
Earlier today I witnessed the funeral of two service men killed in action…just a few minutes ago, in the same church, the baptism of a new warrior for Christ. The juxtaposition of emotions has to be experienced to fully appreciate.
