The Feast of All Saints of the Ukrainian People Reminds Us of God's Work in History

On June 7, 2026, the Sunday of All Saints of the Ukrainian People, Metropolitan Borys Gudziak preached a homily at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia on God's work throughout the history of the Ukrainian people and the calling of Christians today to be witnesses of faith in their own time. Metropolitan noted that the Feast of All Saints of the Ukrainian People is a relatively recent addition to the calendar of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, having been established in 1991. He also pointed out that in the Roman Catholic tradition, the Feast of All Saints is celebrated on November 1.

Reflecting on the lives of Saint Olga and Saint Volodymyr the Great, the Metropolitan highlighted the courage of Princess Olga, who was the first to embrace the Christian faith, turning away from paganism and its harsh practices. "It is not easy to be the first, to go against the current, against the standards that surround you," he said.

The Metropolitan also reminded the faithful that through the acceptance of Christianity, the Ukrainian people received a written language, developed a historical memory, and cultivated a rich cultural, architectural, and spiritual heritage that continues to shape the nation today. As examples, he pointed to Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv and the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, both of which trace their history back more than a thousand years. He further reflected on the martyrs of the Ukrainian Church, from Saint Josaphat to the twenty-seven martyrs beatified by Pope John Paul II and the many witnesses of faith who suffered during the twentieth century.

At the same time, he emphasized that the feast honors not only canonized saints, but also countless unknown men and women who lived holy lives in God’s presence. "The Feast of All Saints helps us understand that we are not alone, that we are not the only ones who face trials and hardships. We are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses. If they were able to do it, why can't we?" he said. Drawing a connection between the witness of the saints and the challenges of the present day, Metropolitan Borys encouraged the faithful not to remain within their comfort zones, but to be proactive and boldly witness to Christ in a world that often does not know Him.

In concluding his homily, the Metropolitan reflected on the challenges facing the Ukrainian people today, including war, displacement, and uncertainty about the future. Referring to the words of Saint Paul, he reminded the faithful that no hardship can separate a person from the love of God. "Know your history. Know your saints. And never doubt that the Lord is at work among our people!"