Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Prayer Communities for Ukrainian Mothers in Rome, Italy

On Sunday, October 25, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) held a special Divine Liturgy at the Basilica of St. Sofia in Rome, marking the 20th anniversary of the founding of Ukrainian communities of prayer in Italy. The event, which took place during a three-day pilgrimage from October 23 to 25, brought together participants from various Apostolic Exarchate communities in Italy, as well as pilgrims from Ukraine, other European countries, and the Americas.

The liturgy was attended by Gregory Komar, the apostolic administrator of the Exarchate in Italy, and Dionysius Lochic, the bishop of the Apostolic Exarchate, along with clergy and faithful members. The celebration emphasized the spiritual significance of the occasion, highlighting the role of prayer and community in sustaining faith and connection to the Church.

During the liturgy, the UGCC’s head reflected on the Gospel passage about the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31). He emphasized that the story serves as a reminder for all to consider the nature of eternal life, which transcends the fleeting concerns of earthly existence. “Human life is a story much bigger than life on Earth,” he said, urging the faithful to reevaluate their priorities and relationships in light of this truth.

The bishop explained that the narrative of the rich man and Lazarus illustrates the profound gap between those who live in material abundance and those who suffer in poverty. He noted that this gap is not merely a physical or social divide but a spiritual one, rooted in the choices and attitudes of individuals. “The rich man built this gap,” he said, highlighting the consequences of self-centeredness and the neglect of spiritual and communal responsibilities.

He further pointed out that the rich man’s refusal to heed the words of the prophet Hosea—”I want to, but no, no, no, no, no”—symbolizes a deeper spiritual blindness. The bishop stressed that overcoming this gap requires a commitment to humility, compassion, and a genuine desire to reconcile with both God and others. “The real means of overcoming the gap between God and men,” he said, “lies in the motivation and action of individuals to seek justice, mercy, and service.”

This reflection aligns with the theme of Micah 6:8, which calls for justice, mercy, and humility in the pursuit of a life that honors God and serves others. The event in Rome underscores the ongoing mission of the UGCC to foster spiritual growth, community solidarity, and a deeper understanding of faith through prayer and shared witness.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Ukrainian)