Metropolitan Borys Gudziak Reflections
Unity. Dignity. Resilience. Sacrifice. Gratitude. These are the words that are in my heart on this turbulent day. These words define modern Ukrainian history. They have become even more pronounced over the years of Russian aggression against Ukraine. Today, their significance is singular. Their embodiment in action will help us persevere—not only now but in the days and weeks ahead.
The Ukrainian people—soldiers and civilians alike, the government, the Church, and civil society—are profoundly grateful to the American people and to all people of goodwill across the world in the hundreds of millions. For every word and every deed, for every prayer. Your support empowers Ukrainians to defend their God-given dignity, protect innocent lives, and uphold the values of the democratic world. This solidarity has strengthened our resilience, enabling a modern-day David to stand against a ruthless Goliath—against shameless aggression and genocide that seek to obliterate our people and undermine international rule of law.
Today, Ukrainians need unity. Unity rooted in truth has the power to stop evil. Ukraine does not seek pity; it asks for support to protect its people, its cities and villages, to defend the truth about humanity, to defend God’s truth. Ukraine needs unity of people—of every nation and every citizen—to establish a just peace, a peace Ukrainians long for more than anyone and for which they are making the ultimate sacrifice.
God’s truth will prevail.
+ Borys
Ukrainian Catholic Archbishop of Philadelphia
