Clergy of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia Join Commemoration Marking Four Years of Russia’s Full-Scale War Against Ukraine

Representing the Archeparchy, Father Ruslan addressed those gathered, bringing the prayers and blessing of Metropolitan Borys Gudziak to the community at the Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center. Reflecting on the spiritual meaning of vigil prayer amid the ongoing war, he noted that the faithful were “gathered here today against the night,” recalling the Church’s tradition of night vigil — moments when believers stand in darkness, pray, and listen. Father Ruslan emphasized that this tradition, shared by both Eastern and Western Christian communities, is reserved for particularly significant moments in the life of the Church and is rooted in the call to wakefulness, recalling Christ’s vigil in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Acknowledging the distance from Ukraine, he observed that being thousands of miles away can bring exhaustion, fatigue, and a sense of helplessness in the face of war. Yet, he said, vigil prayer calls the faithful to remain awake, watchful, and attentive. “Tonight, as we stand amid the darkness of war, the darkness of loss, and the darkness of fatigue,” he noted, “we listen to the voices from Ukraine — the voices of our brothers and sisters, parents and friends — and we remain united with them in prayer.” Father Ruslan concluded by reminding those present that they do not stand watch alone, but follow Jesus Christ, who kept the ultimate vigil on the Cross, entered the deepest darkness of death, and continues to pray with His people.

The program continued with remarks by Pastor Roman Kapran, who reflected on Ukraine’s endurance despite widespread predictions that the country would not withstand Russia’s aggression. He noted that while many forecasts gave Ukraine only days or weeks to survive, the nation continues to stand and to fight.

Citing the Gospel of John, Pastor Kapran recalled Christ’s words: “In the world you will have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” He emphasized that Christ does not promise freedom from suffering, but assures His presence within it. He concluded by calling those gathered to give thanks to God, to honor Ukraine’s defenders and all who serve the nation — including rescuers, medical workers, energy workers, volunteers, and the Ukrainian people — and to continue praying for Ukraine’s protection and for an end to the war.

The next speaker was Iryna Mazur, who addressed those gathered with words of remembrance and historical clarity. She invited the audience to begin with a moment of silence in memory of the innocent victims of Russia’s genocidal war — those killed, tortured, raped, and all who gave their lives for Ukraine’s freedom.

Honorary Consul Mazur emphasized that while the full-scale invasion began four years ago, Russia’s war against Ukraine did not start in 2022. She noted that the occupation of Crimea and the war in Donbas in 2014 marked a major escalation in a centuries-long imperial project aimed at denying Ukraine’s sovereignty, suppressing its language and culture, and erasing it as a distinct nation. She stressed that the current war extends far beyond military operations, resulting in immense human loss, mass displacement, widespread destruction, and millions of Ukrainians left without electricity, heat, or secure homes.

She also noted that at 8:00 p.m., the program would pause to join the nationwide action America Goes Dark for Ukraine, uniting participants in a shared moment of solidarity.

Ukrainian veterans currently undergoing rehabilitation through Revived Soldiers Ukraine also addressed those gathered, sharing their experiences of injury sustained during the war, their ongoing recovery, and their plans for the future. They spoke about how continued support is essential to their recovery and rehabilitation, and to Ukraine as a whole.

Remarks were also shared by B.J. Hoffman of the American Jewish Committee, who emphasized that the consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine extend far beyond the battlefield. He noted that Russia’s aggression has resulted in widespread human rights violations, war crimes, and systematic attacks on civilian infrastructure, undermining international norms and threatening global stability. Hoffman stressed that Moscow’s actions represent a broader challenge to democratic institutions and transatlantic unity, warning that the humanitarian toll — including deaths, injuries, and mass displacement — has reached a scale unprecedented in post–World War II Europe.

Marta Pilip, Director of Humanitarian Aid, also addressed those gathered, presenting a report on humanitarian assistance efforts carried out in response to the war. She shared an overview of ongoing aid initiatives, highlighting support provided to displaced civilians, vulnerable communities, and those affected by Russia’s continued attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure and population.

Representatives of the United Ukrainian American Relief Committee, Nestor Zarichnyi and Motria Boyko‑Waters, shared a detailed report on their ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine and Ukrainians affected by the war. They described the breadth of the committee’s efforts — including the provision of essential supplies, medical equipment, and community support — and noted how their work has adapted to meet evolving needs over the four years of conflict.Nestor Zarichnyi and Motria Boyko-Waters emphasized the importance of sustained international assistance, underscoring that continued solidarity and coordinated aid are vital for bolstering Ukraine’s resilience and helping families and communities rebuild amid ongoing hardship.

The commemoration concluded with the communal recitation of the Prayer for Ukraine.