"Do Not Be Afraid, Little Flock": Metropolitan Borys Gudziak Visits St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church in New York

On Sunday, November 1, 2026, Metropolitan Borys Gudziak visited St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church in New York City, where he celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered a homily to the faithful.

His reflections centered on Christ's words from the Gospel of Luke: "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom." Metropolitan Borys connected this Gospel message to the experiences of Ukrainians who continue to face fear and anxiety, both in their homeland and throughout the diaspora.

"Many of us, our brothers and sisters in Ukraine and Ukrainians scattered today across different countries and continents, are often overcome by fear, trembling and anxiety," the Metropolitan said. He noted that people may feel powerless in the face of those who hold great power in this world, yet God's promise of the Kingdom is addressed to them as well.

Metropolitan Borys invited those present to reflect on how deeply they embrace this promise. Recognizing that God calls each person to eternal life with Him can help reshape priorities and offer a different perspective on everyday challenges.

"We have a destiny, we have a purpose — to be in God's Kingdom," he emphasized.

The Metropolitan also reflected on the lives of Bishop-Martyr Theodore Romzha and Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky. Recalling their ministry during times of persecution, violence and destruction, he highlighted the strength of faith that enabled them to support others and remain faithful to their calling.

Their witness serves as a reminder that even in the most difficult circumstances, people can continue to act with love and serve others, and that violence does not have the final word in the history of the Church.

Reflecting on their sacrifice, Metropolitan Borys emphasized how hope in eternal life transforms one's perspective on life: "Understanding that death is not the end, that it is not some bottomless abyss, but only a step into eternity, they lived differently."

The source of this hope is Jesus Christ's victory over death. The Metropolitan reminded the faithful that every Sunday Divine Liturgy is a celebration of the Resurrection and an encounter with the Lord, who opens the way to the Father.

"Before us in all of this stands our Lord, who accepted death for you, for me, for all of us, and conquered it," he said.

At the conclusion of his homily, Metropolitan Borys returned to the Gospel invitation, "Do not be afraid, little flock." These words served as a reminder to the Ukrainian community in New York of the importance of trusting in God, holding on to hope and moving forward with courage in the face of life's challenges.

Based on materials from the Province of the Basilian Fathers in the USA.