As Ukrainians turn to their faith amid the ongoing tragedy of Russia’s invasion of their nation, many who follow both the Orthodox and Catholic traditions will look to an unusual icon of Mary as a symbol of the solace they seek.
Ukraine
Church Leaders Urge Russian Patriarch to Speak with Putin
Catholic and Orthodox leaders in Europe have appealed to Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, urging him to convince Russian President Vladimir Putin to put an end to the bloodshed in Ukraine.
Bishop in Ukraine Fears Russia Could Brand Priests, Nuns as Spies
Church leaders in embattled Ukraine have warned that foreign missionaries could be targeted by attacking forces, while many could be branded “NATO spies” if Russia occupies the country.
Social Media Can Help Promote Peace in Ukraine, Vatican Prelate Says
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last week marks the first major military confrontation in the digital era, where images and videos shared in real-time offer the world a whole new insight into the reality of war, and the spread of misinformation.
The Importance of ‘Just War’ Theory
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24 prompted many commentators to focus on critiquing strategies and predicting side-effects like higher U.S. gas prices. Catholics were among the global voices providing broader viewpoints — such as Christ’s call for peacemaking, compassion, and justice — to help understand the evolving crisis.
Cardinal Joins Biden, and Later Archbishop Gudziak, In Praying for Ukraine
As Pope Francis and Catholics throughout the world did on Ash Wednesday, March 2, Washington Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory prayed and expressed solidarity with the people of Ukraine as they are enduring a brutal Russian military invasion of their country.
Top Vatican Official Calls Russian Invasion of Ukraine ‘Unjustified’ and ‘Senseless’
Argentine Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, the head of the Vatican’s office for Eastern Churches, called Russia’s military action against Ukraine an “unjustified invasion” and a “senseless war.”
Ash Wednesday Returns to Pre-Pandemic Ways, Stirs Hope in Diocese Faithful
Ash Wednesday 2022 marked the first time since the pandemic uprooted everyone’s lives that Catholics were able to take part in the holy day in a normal fashion. It also marked Bishop Robert Brennan’s first Ash Wednesday since becoming Bishop of Brooklyn in November.
Biden Says Nation Needs to be United, Voices Support for Ukraine
In his first State of the Union address March 1, President Joe Biden emphasized the crucial need to come together as a nation while facing challenges of the continuing pandemic, rising inflation and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Ukrainian Archbishop Calls on Russia Not to Bomb Historic Cathedral
The Ukrainian Catholic Archdiocese of Kyiv-Halych and the Ukrainian Embassy to the Holy See said they had received information that Russia planned airstrikes on the Cathedral of St. Sophia in Kyiv.