Ukrainian Catholic Communities in the U.S. Commemorate the Third Anniversary of Russia’s Full-Scale War Against Ukraine
This week, Ukrainian Catholic parishes across America gathered in prayer to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In various parts of the United States, the faithful prayed for a just peace, Ukraine’s victory, and eternal rest for the fallen defenders and innocent victims of war.
On February 22, clergy and faithful of the Ukrainian Catholic Church participated in the rally “Three Years of Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine” in Washington, D.C. Among the speakers, Archbishop Daniel of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA offered words of encouragement and solidarity. Fr. Robert Hitchens, pastor of the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family in Washington, D.C., led a prayer for a just peace in Ukraine and invited attendees to observe a moment of silence in memory of all those who have perished in this unjust war. Additionally, Andrii Smolenskyi, a Ukrainian soldier currently undergoing rehabilitation in Washington, D.C., shared his personal testimony, emphasizing the resilience of the Ukrainian people.
On February 23, clergy, Basilian Sisters, and faithful from the Philadelphia Ukrainian Catholic community participated in a March for Peace outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Fr. Roman Pitula, rector of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, offered a brief prayer for Ukraine.
On February 24, an evening dedicated to the solemn anniversary of the war took place at the Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center in Jenkintown. The Vice-Chancellor of the Archeparchy, Fr. Ruslan Borovyi, addressed the attendees with a brief message, focusing on the theme of hope. He noted that the Catholic Church has declared 2025 the Jubilee Year of Hope.
"A few months ago, our community was visited by Nobel laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk, and she shared a thought that personally sustains me," said Fr. Ruslan. "Hope is not the belief that everything will be fine, not cheap optimism, but the confidence that what we do has meaning." He emphasized that Ukrainians in the diaspora must support Ukrainians in Ukraine—by calling, praying, and donating. "The Apostle Paul says that hope does not disappoint. Let us ask God to sustain this hope in us," Fr. Borovyi concluded.
The community was also addressed by Fr. Taras Dumenko, rector of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Philadelphia of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the USA.
A memorial service was held following the Divine Liturgy at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Perth Amboy. Parishioners bowed in prayer, honoring all who gave their lives for Ukraine’s freedom. At St. Nicholas Church in Passaic Fr. Andriy Dudkevych led a solemn commemoration. The event was attended by Ukrainian community leaders from Passaic and Bergen, as well as local and federal officials, including Passaic County Clerk Danielle Ireland-Imhof, Congresswoman Nellie Pou, and representatives from Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill’s office.
At the Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary Orthodox Church in Allentown, Pennsylvania, a special prayer service was held to mark the third anniversary of the war. The service brought together clergy from the Ukrainian Orthodox and Greek Catholic Churches, along with numerous faithful and veterans who had courageously defended Ukraine. Representing the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in prayer were Fr. Andriy Rubel and Fr. Paul Makar.
