Forgiveness Sunday in Chicago: Archbishop Borys Gudziak Presided over the Divine Liturgy at Saints Volodymyr and Olha Parish

On February 22, 2026, Archbishop Borys Gudziak presided over the Sunday Divine Liturgy at Saints Volodymyr & Olha Ukrainian Catholic Church in Chicago, IL.

Archbishop Borys expressed gratitude to the defenders who were present and to all who continue to defend Ukraine, acknowledging their sacrifice and steadfast witness. As the parish follows the Julian calendar, the day was observed as Forgiveness Sunday (Cheesefare Sunday), marking the threshold of the Great Fast.

Reflecting on his long personal connection to the parish and the life of the Church, the Archbishop emphasized solidarity with Ukraine amid the ongoing war and the call to live the Gospel through forgiveness, prayer, and concrete acts of love,  "Let us be free, light, and uplifted. Let us cast aside the stones. Let us heal our wounds, received through injustice, by our forgiveness. We know this is the only true path. If we have postponed this, if we have turned our gaze away from this priority, let us refocus and look at God’s love for us."

He further reminded the faithful that Great Lent calls not only to fasting from food, but more profoundly to fasting from anger and division, urging forgiveness as the path to inner freedom, unity, and the victory of truth — in Ukraine and throughout the world.