“Each of Us Can Help Build Ukraine”: Metropolitan Borys Gudziak Takes Part in “Dialogues on Ukraine”

On July 15, 2026, the Day of Ukrainian Statehood, Archbishop and Metropolitan of Philadelphia Borys Gudziak took part in a “Dialogues on Ukraine” event titled “Ukrainian Statehood: The People Who Are Building Ukraine.”

The discussion also featured Vitaly Portnikov, Anton Shkiryak, Oleksandr Teren, Myron Markevych, and Fr. Makarii Dutka. The event was organized by the Kuliivshchyna civic organization and the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Museum.

At the beginning of his remarks, Metropolitan Borys expressed his profound respect for Ukraine’s defenders and for those who gave their lives for truth, justice, and God-given human dignity. He also assured those present that, despite the uncertainty surrounding certain decisions in U.S. politics, many Americans continue to support Ukraine through prayer, public advocacy, and humanitarian assistance.

Reflecting on the meaning of statehood, Metropolitan Borys emphasized that defending the country is not the responsibility of the military alone. Every person can strengthen Ukraine by taking responsibility for their immediate surroundings and caring for others. “Ukraine is its borders, its steppes, its mountains, and its cities. But Ukraine is also the entrance to your building and mine. It is a stretch of sidewalk, an opportunity either taken or missed to plant a flower. It is the opportunity to call someone who is lonely, visit someone in the hospital, or go to a rehabilitation center and befriend someone who has sacrificed their health,” Metropolitan Borys said.

Everyone, he continued, has a role to play in building the country and protecting, through shared effort, what belongs to all Ukrainians. “Building our country is our daily work. Each of us can contribute. It may not look heroic, but no good deed is ever lost,” the Metropolitan emphasized.

The discussion also addressed the role of the Church in society. Metropolitan Borys warned against the temptation to turn religion into an instrument of state power, stressing that the Christian faith is rooted in freedom. “The life of the Church must always be a life of love, and love cannot be imposed. True love is possible only in freedom.”

Metropolitan Borys also spoke about the need for the Church to move beyond familiar structures and reach out to people. In his view, Christians today are called to step outside their comfort zones, extend a hand to others, and remain close to those who need support. “Our people must step outside their comfort zones. We must reach out; we must go to others. And the person we are called to reach may be right beside us. This is the way of Jesus,” Metropolitan Borys concluded.