"The Nuncio himself in Minsk [capital of Belarus] is praying for peace in Ukraine, and he is very grateful to the Catholics of Russia, of Kazakhstan, of Belarus, because they are united in seeking peace," the Ukrainian archbishop added, in a convocation in which Monsignor Visvaldos Kulbokas, apostolic nuncio in Ukraine, also participated.
Another idea launched by the Ukrainian Archbishop Shevchuk: the Ukrainian crisis is not only Ukraine's, but affects the whole of Europe, and the world, and he referred to its four dimensions: military, disinformation and propaganda, political and economic. Here are some of its features, but first, here are his words on the extent of the current tensions:
"In this conflict, Ukraine is only a part of the whole global picture of the crisis. Of course, we are afraid. Because of our historical and geographical position, we are the most exposed country. We are on the front line. But the Ukrainian crisis is not just a problem for Ukrainians. It has consequences for the whole world, for the European Union, the United States and NATO countries."
"War is the worst response to problems," he noted. "Our hope today is that, with the prayer and support of the international community, we can all say no to war. We are witnessing with our own eyes a real idolatry of violence rising up in the world. We, as Christians, must say loudly, no to military action as a solution to problems. Only dialogue, cooperation and solidarity can help us to overcome all kinds of difficulties and crises".
Earlier, the archbishop had stressed that "we feel that we have reached the culmination of a dangerous escalation and military aggression against Ukraine." "It is true that our country has been attacked by Russia for eight years, but the escalation we are witnessing today is not a simple continuation of the war in Donbass or a consequence of the annexation of Crimea. We are witnessing an escalation of the conflict between Russia and the Western world, in particular the United States."
"The first thing is to pray."
In this context, the Greek Catholic archbishop acknowledged that they are studying "what to do if there is an invasion". And now, "we are encouraging networking, cooperation between churches, helping each other. His proposal, and that of the other bishops, focuses on "three responses to the situation".
"The first thing to do is to pray. We saw it yesterday at a meeting of the bishops. Today all of Ukraine will pray the Rosary united. Prayer is very important. The second thing, solidarity with those in need. Last year they took up a collection for the hungry. And this year, another one for heating the houses. Helping to get through the winter is key. And third, nourishing our hope, we have to be bearers of hope." "We believe that God is with us. We must have this light and be heralds of the good news for people who are afraid, who are disoriented, who are hungry, who are cold."
Then there is "consolidating Ukrainian society", an issue to which the Nuncio also referred. There are many friends of different faiths who want to build, to help others. "We hope to be able to say all together no to war, no to violence. Military action is not the solution to any of the problems. Dialogue and cooperation are."
"A real Christian never promotes war."
Nuncio Kulbokas affirmed before the media that the Church is above politics. We are capable of talking, of fraternity, of respect, of dialogue. We should not leave the matter only in the hands of politicians. We wish to "promote peace. Pray, do not use aggression," he added. "A real Christian never promotes war," he stressed. "Cohesion is promoted. Especially, we want the conversion of the hearts of those who govern."
In another moment, the Nuncio also pointed to "the consolidation of the Ukrainian society", and added that the faithful people, the believers, are much more united than the hierarchy or the politicians. He also gave a personal testimony, pointing out that it is very nice to work there, "because in Ukraine the Eastern and Western Churches are united", and he sees it in his own work, in his work.
Pope Francis' visit is expected
Msgr. Visvaldos Kulbokas expressed the "concern" with which the Papa the situation, and his request for prayers at St. Peter's, as reported by Omnes. Greek Catholic Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk added: "Although most Ukrainians are Orthodox, Pope Francis is the most important moral authority in the world. And every word he says about the Ukrainian situation, whether at the Angelus or on other occasions, is very important for us. Our people are very attentive to every word the Holy Father addresses to "dear Ukraine", and to the suffering of the Ukrainian people. But what Ukrainians expect most from the Pope is his visit to Ukraine. The possibility of his visit is our greatest expectation, and we pray that one day this trip will become a reality."
What to do in the face of misinformation
Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk acknowledged that "people are more afraid, and disinformation works. Russia wants to change the Ukrainian government, he commented. Economically, Russia is using gas prices as an economic weapon, this is the most key thing; people cannot pay that money to heat their houses, and this bring a lot of problems. "In our case, what we have to do is to be informed, to pray and to be in solidarity with each other," he encouraged.
In response to a question on how to avoid propaganda and disinformation, he pointed out that one must connect with people there. And he also encouraged unity among people of all religions. This escalation is taking its toll on the Ukrainian economy, which is falling, he continued. There are labor problems due to rising fuel prices, which is devastating the middle class, small businessmen, bakeries... The Church is helping to promote "alternatives for heating homes, even smart homes" that do not depend on gas.
"Priests, sole mediators."
In southeastern Ukraine, communities are small and economically fragile, and each parish has become a point of social care in recent years, the archbishop explained. Attention in the distribution of food, blankets, even psychological assistance to people affected by post-traumatic stress.
There is "immense poverty in these communities, and there are priests who live below the poverty line," he said. Helping people in those territories is difficult, because it has to go through Russian areas, and "priests are the only mediators", who do not leave, and say: we are our people, we do not escape, and if we have to die in Crimea, we die in Crimea.
The archbishop recalled that, in a recent studyIt has been proven that "people value the Church very much, all religious confessions. "What do we have to do? It is a responsibility that gives us the trust of the people".
At the beginning of the event, Thomas Heine-Geldern, pinternational resident of the Pontifical Foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), reported that his organization has been helping Ukraine for quite some time, especially in the area of religious freedom, which has suffered greatly during the pandemic, and that the assistance has been directed especially to priests and nuns.
