Metropolitan Borys Gudziak Participates in the National Pilgrimage to Zarvanytsia

On July 11–12, 2026, Archbishop and Metropolitan of Philadelphia Borys Gudziak took part in the National Pilgrimage of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church to the Marian Spiritual Center in Zarvanytsia. This year’s pilgrimage was the fifth since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion and brought together approximately 30,000 pilgrims.

Together with His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church; Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine; the bishops of the UGCC; and numerous clergy, Metropolitan Borys prayed for Ukraine, its defenders, prisoners of war, the wounded, the families of those who have died, and all who have suffered because of the war. They also prayed for a just peace and for the renewal and restoration of Ukraine.

On the evening of July 11, His Beatitude Sviatoslav presided over a Moleben to the Mother of God and a prayer vigil. Addressing the pilgrims, the Head of the UGCC emphasized that the pilgrimage is one of the most significant spiritual events of the year and a visible expression of the unity of Ukrainians in their homeland and throughout the world.

“We are not alone in our struggle. God is with us, the Mother of God is with us, our Church is with us, and Ukrainians throughout the world are with us,” His Beatitude Sviatoslav said, pointing to the presence at Zarvanytsia of UGCC bishops serving in different countries.

The participation of Metropolitan Borys Gudziak and bishops from around the world bore witness to the spiritual unity of the worldwide Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church with the people of Ukraine, who continue to defend their freedom, dignity, and right to a just peace.

Based on materials from ugcc.ua