Faith and Community: Philadelphia Parish Hosts Prayer for Peace and Reflects on Its Strengths and Challenges
On November 28, at the invitation of Archbishop Borys Gudziak, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States Cardinal Christophe Pierre, Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations Ambassador Andriy Melnyk, and Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Basse-Terre in the Caribbean Jean-Yves Riocreux visited Philadelphia and attended a prayer service for peace in Ukraine at Saint Nicholas Church in the Fairmount neighborhood.
In his brief sermon, Archbishop Borys mentioned the recent Russian attack on Ternopil, where nearly 40 people died, and noted that all Catholic bishops in Ukraine – both Eastern and Latin – visited the city to pray and be with the people.
"Every one of our parishes constantly prays for peace and seeks ways to provide humanitarian assistance for those suffering. We pray for a just peace because we know that every time there is Russian occupation, our Church is targeted and diminished as a visible entity," he said.
“Deep inside, I have peace – God’s truth will prevail,” added the Archbishop.
After the prayer, Fr. Ruslan Borovyi, the pastor, introduced this small yet vibrant parish. Many community members shared their experiences and spoke about their efforts to revive the parish, making it both spiritually strong and financially sustainable.
Former head of the parish council Basil Panczak explained that the parish had been struggling financially for some time, and he had approached Archbishop Borys Gudziak with the idea that the parish might need to close. Instead, the Archbishop encouraged them to persevere and appointed a young, energetic priest.
All attendees noted the warmth and family atmosphere of the parish.
“We aim to create a place here that is simple, warm, and genuine—without pretension, without trying to impress—simply a place where we know each other by name, where we share the Eucharist, where we share life, and walk together on the common pilgrimage of life,” said Fr. Ruslan. He emphasized the sincerity and generosity of each parishioner and the beauty of the church, noting that its size allows people to truly know one another and foster an authentic community.
Parish treasurer Marta Rubel recalled that her parents were among the parish founders and spoke of the special nature of this community, where everyone’s role is valued and visible. Head of the parish council Xenia Zacharczak highlighted that while financial challenges remain, everyone contributes their time and talents generously. “It feels like home,” she said.
Archbishop Borys praised Saint Nicholas parish as an example of how a parish community can live authentically. “They work together, they are creative, and they really love each other. There is growth, freedom, and a lot of joy,” he said.
Cardinal Pierre added, “It is really what the Church is all about – it’s about community, not numbers.”
Ambassador Melnyk reflected on his experience in Brazil, where a large Ukrainian community has preserved its identity through the Ukrainian Catholic Church, even as the Ukrainian language has diminished. “Where you see the Church, you can find the community,” he said.
