Metropolitan Borys Gudziak Visited the Kamianets-Podilskyi Eparchy

August 13, 2026

Metropolitan Borys Gudziak continued his solidarity visit to the eparchies of Ukraine. On August 12–13, he learned about the work of the Kamianets-Podilskyi Eparchy of the UGCC, which was established on December 11, 2015, with the blessing of Pope Francis by decision of the Synod of Bishops of the UGCC, with its see in Khmelnytskyi. Archbishop Borys and his delegation were welcomed by the Eparch of Kamianets-Podilskyi, Bishop Ivan Kulyk, who has led the eparchy since December 1, 2019.

The visit began on August 12 with a stop in Kamianets-Podilskyi, where a meeting took place with City Mayor Mykhailo Positok. They discussed the challenges of the war: strikes on energy infrastructure, labor shortages, low birth rates, and the outflow of young people. "When I talk with young people, I encourage them to imagine their life in Ukraine in detail — where you will study, who you will be friends with, what dreams you will fulfill. This makes the future more concrete," the mayor noted.

The delegation also learned more about the history of the city and Podillia, including Podillian cuisine.

The guests visited the cathedral of the Kamianets-Podilskyi Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church, where they held a fraternal meeting with Bishop Emeritus Leon Dubrawski, OFM. Bishop Leon led the diocese from 2002 (having served as auxiliary bishop there since 1998) until July 2025, when Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Edward Kawa to that see.

Afterward, the delegation visited the parish of Our Lady of Zarvanytsia (UGCC), led by pastor Fr. Taras Khomiuk. The parish was in the midst of its "Joyful Vacation with God" camp. Archbishop Borys spoke briefly with the children and, together with the group, toured the parish's social bakery.

The delegation then visited the office of Caritas Kamianets-Podilskyi, directed by Fr. Taras. In an informal setting, they talked with the staff of the local organization, which is growing and developing alongside the parish — discussing anxieties, the adaptation of children among the internally displaced, resilience, English classes for children, and catechesis. But most of all, they spoke about a sincere longing for peace. "We long for peace — everything else we can overcome, because we are strong. We thank everyone who is helping us, and we ask that you not stop," one participant said.

Metropolitan Borys thanked the staff for their work and, above all, for their attitude, emphasizing that work done from heart to heart, regardless of its scale, is God's work.

On August 13, the Metropolitan presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Khmelnytskyi and delivered the homily.

Afterward, the delegation was introduced to the work, projects, and team of Caritas Khmelnytskyi, and spoke with medical and social services specialists. They listened attentively to presentations on mental health programs, rehabilitation for children and adults, and other areas of the foundation's work. The Metropolitan noted the similarity between many indicators of the Khmelnytskyi eparchy and the Philadelphia Archeparchy. "We have similar scales, and therefore similar great opportunities."

An important part of the visit was a meeting in an open-dialogue format, attended by, among others, Khmelnytskyi City Mayor Oleksandr Symchyshyn, Head of the Regional Council Violeta Labaziuk, as well as other Caritas partners, representatives of business, civil society, and media. They discussed trust and partnership, life under conditions of war, church diplomacy, support for youth and the formation of leaders, and how to preserve inner strength. "This is already my 57th visit to Ukraine. We do not romanticize the losses. We understand the great pain connected with the deaths of people, the destruction, and the constant danger. But despite death and numerous crises and challenges, life is boiling over in Ukraine. We come here and feel its intensity, the struggle for life, its defense, and incredible creativity. Beyond inspiration, we seek experience. In receiving inspiration, we have the opportunity to learn from Ukraine," said Bishop Borys, explaining the purpose of his visit.

During their stay in Khmelnytskyi, the guests also became better acquainted with Caritas's work and the city. During a walking tour, they visited an icon-painting school, stopped by memorial sites, and ended the day with prayer at the Alley of Heroes in the city center. There they prayed together for the eternal repose of all the fallen Heroes.

The visit to Khmelnytskyi concluded with a visit to the Holy Spirit Higher Theological Seminary, located together with the Saint John Paul II Center in the village of Sharovechka, a suburb of Khmelnytskyi. The delegation is currently visiting the Lutsk Exarchate.