Metropolitan Borys Gudziak Joins Philadelphia Rally Marking Fourth Anniversary of Russia’s Full-Scale Aggression Against Ukraine

Metropolitan Borys addressed those gathered and offered a prayer. Reflecting on his recent visit to Ukraine in January 2026, he shared his experiences meeting people across the country.

“I visited 13 cities and towns and spoke to hundreds and hundreds of people representing all walks of life: Church people, university students, civic leaders, business people, soldiers, parents of the fallen soldiers who have sacrificed their lives, mayors,” the Archbishop said. “People are tired. But I want to share with you that nowhere, nobody said that we are giving up. Not a single person spoke of surrender”.

He emphasized that the Ukrainian people are not asking for pity but are carrying a burden on behalf of the wider world.

“They're not some poor people who need our handout,” he said. “They're making the ultimate sacrifice for us, for global security, for the rule of law, for democracy, for the freedom of religion, freedom of the press, for goodwill among people of all ethnic and religious backgrounds”.

The Archbishop also thanked those gathered in Philadelphia for their continued solidarity.

“The people there are standing and I thank you for standing with them,” he said. “The truth of God will prevail. We've seen it happen. The Lord with a mighty arm has brought his people out of the land of captivity time and time again”.

The Metropolitan then led the participants in prayer for Ukraine, its people, and all those suffering because of the war:

“We ask you Lord for your blessing. Bless the soldiers, free the prisoners, return the children, assist the chaplains, the medics, the people who restore the electricity and the heat, the volunteers, the donors, the organizations globally. Give wisdom and courage to the leaders to do your will. Turn back the aggressors. Support and uphold the orphans, the widows, the widowers, those who have lost their family, their homes. Give us strength and courage to continue. Lord, let us trust in your word and in your promise. Let us preserve the dignity that you give to us. Let us hold each other hand in hand and arm in arm as we walk, manifesting this dignity and this freedom, your gifts that we will protect and multiply. We ask you, Lord, for your mercy, your loving kindness, your blessing and the power of your truth. For you are holy now and unto ages of ages.”