Women’s Retreat

On November 21–23, 2025, the women’s retreat “Service and Self-Realization” took place, held in the facilities of St. Josaphat Seminary. The event was part of a broader project aimed at supporting women in their vocation, ministry, and personal growth, as well as highlighting the vital role of women in the life of the Church.

Women from three eparchies of our Church in the United States participated in the retreat, all of whom are actively engaged in the social and pastoral life of the Church and the community. Among the participants were representatives of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, the St. Sophia Religious Association, the Ukrainian Catholic University, the Mothers in Prayer community, and the School of Mary. These days offered them an opportunity to pause, reflect on their personal journey, find spiritual and psychological support, and deepen their connection with one another.

The program included lectures, prayer, psychological exercises, photo-reflection, resilience-building activities, and a special community evening. The integration of spiritual and psychological dimensions created a space for holistic growth and inner renewal.
The speaker for the retreat was Olesia Kryskiv—a theologian and psychologist, and the director of the Center for Mental Health and Trauma Therapy at the Ukrainian Catholic University. The event was organized by Halyna Vasylytsia.

In their reflections, participants shared that finding a space for quiet, communication, personal development, and renewed strength for ministry is often difficult. This initiative offered them the environment and support they needed. They also expressed hope that such gatherings would continue, as they foster a unique sense of community and create a meaningful place for Ukrainian women to grow in the United States.

At the conclusion of the retreat, the participants expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Metropolitan Borys Gudziak of Philadelphia for his support in making the event possible and extended warm birthday greetings to him.