“God Is Close to Our Pain”: Palm Sunday Homily

March 29, 2026

On Sunday, March 29, 2026, the faithful of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia gathered to celebrate Palm Sunday, marking the entrance of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem and the beginning of the Great and Holy Week.

In his homily, Archbishop Borys Gudziak reflected on the Gospel account of the raising of Lazarus and emphasized the personal and concrete nature of Christ’s love. He noted that Christian love is not abstract, but lived in relationship with those closest to us, and highlighted that the Creator of the universe enters into human life, sharing in human suffering and drawing near to each person.

The Archbishop also spoke about the meaning of Palm Sunday as a moment of both joy and anticipation, reminding the faithful of the movement from the celebration of Christ’s entry into Jerusalem to the events of His Passion. He encouraged all to enter Holy Week with awareness and openness, not allowing the enthusiasm of “Hosanna” to fade into indifference.

During his homily, Archbishop Borys also remembered iconographer Christine Dochwat, who recently passed away after many years of dedicated service to the Church. He acknowledged her significant contribution to sacred art, including the numerous icons present in the church, as a witness to faith expressed through beauty and devotion.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Borys invited all present to attend the art exhibition “The Song of Songs: Creativity — the Antonym of War,” encouraging reflection on the role of beauty and creativity as a response to the reality of war.