On November 7, 2026, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) held an All-Church Forum on the Family under the theme "The Christian Family: Values, Tradition, Present Situation, Challenges and Prospects." Held via videoconference, the forum brought together bishops, clergy, consecrated persons and lay representatives from around the world to discuss contemporary challenges facing families and ways to strengthen pastoral ministry.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the UGCC, participated in the forum from Winnipeg, Canada, alongside bishops of the Church, including Metropolitan Archbishop Borys Gudziak of Philadelphia. Representatives of UGCC eparchies, exarchates and communities in other countries joined remotely.
Representing the Ukrainian Catholic Metropolia of Philadelphia in the United States, Fr. Ruslan Borovyi, Vice-Chancellor of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, participated online and delivered a presentation titled "Pastoral Care of Families in the U.S. – Philadelphia Metropolia."
Opening the forum, His Beatitude Sviatoslav emphasized that care for families remains one of the Church's foremost priorities. He highlighted the importance of preparing young people for the Sacrament of Marriage and providing ongoing pastoral support to families. He also noted that the gathering was part of the Church's synodal journey, offering an opportunity for shared reflection on contemporary challenges and practical pastoral responses.
In his presentation, Fr. Borovyi examined demographic and social trends affecting family life in the United States, including migration, changes in household composition, declining birth rates and shifting attitudes toward marriage.
He noted that today's parish communities include people in a wide range of circumstances, including young families, single parents, married couples without children, older adults and families separated by migration. Pastoral programs, he emphasized, must recognize these realities and respond to the diverse needs of the faithful.
This responsibility is particularly significant for Ukrainian families who have relocated to the United States and are adapting to life in a new society. Fr. Borovyi stressed the importance of making parishes welcoming communities where families can find spiritual support, understanding and a sense of belonging.
Another focus of his presentation was the changing attitude toward marriage among younger generations. He observed that church weddings are becoming less common in contemporary society. In response, the Church is called not only to prepare couples for the Sacrament of Marriage but also to help them discover its spiritual significance and build relationships rooted in trust, communication and forgiveness.
Fr. Borovyi also addressed the pastoral care of individuals who have experienced divorce. He emphasized the importance of remaining faithful to the Church's teaching on the indissolubility of marriage while offering compassionate spiritual and personal support to those facing difficult family circumstances.
He also highlighted the need for greater flexibility and creativity in pastoral ministry, particularly in marriage preparation. He stressed that the Church's responsibility extends beyond established procedures to helping couples discover the spiritual beauty and meaning of Christian marriage.
During the forum, representatives of other UGCC eparchies and exarchates shared their experiences in family ministry. Discussions addressed the consequences of war and migration, family separation, support for military families, raising children in the Christian faith and the challenges of secularization and assimilation.
Photos by Severyn Shved
Sources: ugcc.ua
