PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Ukrainian Catholic Metropolitan Archeparchy of Philadelphia will host "Placing Mental Health in the Lord's Hands: An Evening of Prayer and Reflection on Mental Health Ministry" on Thursday, November 19, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia.
The free, public event will bring together Ukrainian Catholic bishops, Catholic mental health ministry leaders, clergy and community members for an evening of prayer, reflection and discussion focused on mental health awareness, reducing stigma and strengthening the Church's response to those experiencing mental health challenges.
Mental health is an increasingly important concern for individuals, families and communities. Despite growing awareness, stigma and misunderstanding continue to prevent many people from seeking support. Faith communities have an important role to play in fostering environments where those facing mental health difficulties are met with compassion, understanding and care.
The gathering will offer an opportunity to explore how the Church can respond to these challenges through prayer, pastoral accompaniment and the development of mental health ministries.
The evening will begin at 6:00 PM with Pontifical Vespers presided over by Metropolitan Borys Gudziak, Archbishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, together with the Ukrainian Catholic bishops serving in the United States: Bishop Paul Chomnycky, OSBM, of the Eparchy of Stamford; Bishop Venedykt Aleksiychuk, M.S.U., of the Eparchy of Saint Nicholas in Chicago; and Bishop Bohdan Danylo of the Eparchy of Saint Josaphat in Parma.
At 7:00 PM, Andrea Kochan Neagle, Executive Director of Ukrainian Catholic Charities USA, will introduce the organization, established by the four Ukrainian Catholic eparchies in the United States.
A Mental Health Awareness Round Table will follow at 7:15 PM, featuring Bishop John P. Dolan of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix, who serves as Chaplain of the International Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers, and Deacon Ed Shoener, President of the International Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers.
The discussion will be moderated by Bishop Keith J. Chylinski, Auxiliary Bishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The speakers will address the importance of mental health ministry and the ways faith communities can provide meaningful spiritual and pastoral support to individuals and families affected by mental health challenges.
The evening will conclude with a prayer for healing and anointing with blessed oil at 8:15 PM, followed by fellowship and refreshments at 8:30 PM.
All are invited to take part in the evening, which reflects a commitment to encouraging dialogue about mental health while recognizing the importance of compassion, community and spiritual care.
Admission is free, and parking will be available.
Event Information
Event: Placing Mental Health in the Lord's Hands: An Evening of Prayer and Reflection on Mental Health Ministry
Date: Thursday, November 19, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 830 N. Franklin Street, Philadelphia, PA
Admission: Free and open to the public
Parking: Free parking available
For the full program and additional information, visit:
https://ukrcatholic.org/events/placing-mental-health-in-the-lords-hands-an-evening-of-prayer-and-reflection-on-mental-health-ministry
About the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia
The Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia is the metropolitan see of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in the United States. It serves the faithful throughout eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. Through its parishes, ministries and community initiatives, the Archeparchy promotes spiritual life, pastoral care and service to those in need.
Media Contact
Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia
810 North Franklin Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123
215-627-0143 | ukrmet@ukrcatholic.org
