Metropolitan Borys Participated in Panel on Eastern Catholics in World’s Hotspots at Catholic Media Conference
On June 21, during the Catholic Media Conference held in Atlanta, GA, a panel titled "Conflict, Crisis & Hope: Eastern Catholics in the World’s Hotspots" was convened. Sponsored by the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA), the panel marked the golden anniversary of CNEWA’s flagship publication, ONE, which has faithfully reported on the Eastern churches for 50 years.
Michael J.L. La Civita, CNEWA Director of Communications and Executive Editor of ONE, moderated the session. Participants included Joseph Hazboun from CNEWA-Pontifical Mission (via Zoom); Metropolitan Borys Gudziak of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia (via Zoom); Bishop Tesfaselassie Medhin of the Ethiopian Catholic Eparchy of Adigrat, Ethiopia (via Zoom); and Laura Ieraci, editor of ONE magazine.
The discussion highlighted the plight of Eastern Christians who, despite being the majority in their faith, remain a minority in their regions. They navigate immense conflict, violence, and loss with profound spirituality and resilience.
In his remarks, Metropolitan Borys focused on Ukraine, where, after the Russian full-scale invasion that started on February 24, 2022, six million people have fled, and four million are internally displaced. He recalled the 29 members of the Ukrainian Catholic University community who were killed. Metropolitan Borys also stressed the resilience of the Ukrainians and the critical role of the Church in this resilience, offering humanitarian aid, mental health support, military chaplaincy, and many other projects to serve the people. He mentioned Basilian Sister Lucia Murashko from Zaporizhzhia, honored in January 2024 by Catholic Extension Society for her selfless, committed work with the displaced, people living near the frontline, and providing spiritual support.
