“Thank you for your commitment,” Patriarchal Econome to Ukrainians in Austria
March 28, 2025
“Today, we see how the Church serves in times of war, providing assistance to those who suffer. But where does it draw this resource? The Church is you, the community. We work, transfer, share to serve our neighbour. We are especially grateful to you for your commitment and support.”
With these heartfelt words, Father Lubomyr Yavorskyy, Patriarchal Econome of the UGCC, addressed Ukrainians in Austria during his visit to the Holy Family parish in Vienna. This was reported by the UGCC press service in Austria.
On March 23, the Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross, Father Lubomyr Yavorskyy led the Divine Liturgy at the Holy Family parish. After the service, he expressed his profound gratitude to the faithful.
“It is a great honor for me to be here today, in the church. I travel a lot around the world, communicate with different people, and I see how numerous we are. Thank you for coming to the church — to the house of the Heavenly Father. There are so many of you here today, and I am very grateful to you for that,” he noted.
The priest also emphasized the importance of the spiritual struggle inherent in every Christian’s life: “Today, when we are being crucified, scourged, killed, we must not be victims — we are God’s warriors. We are called to fight for light, for hope, for the future. Each of us, in our calling, step by step, must move towards victory. But the most important thing is to achieve victory in our own heart. Our prayer will lead us to victory.”
The rector of the church, Father Lubomyr Dutka, addressed the Patriarchal Econome, stating: “We are all here, from Great Ukraine, from its various parts, united in common worship. This is our small Ukraine. Thank you for bringing us love, respect, and the Ukrainian language from our native land today.”
During his sermon, Father Damian Haboriy, a parish priest, underscored the meaning of the Cross in the life of every Christian: “The Cross is not just a symbol of suffering. The Cross gives us the strength to endure, unites us, reveals the meaning of sacrifice. It reminds us that after trials comes resurrection. Our task is not to complain, but to pray, to hold onto faith, to help those who need it — with word, deed, support. Let us remember that the Cross is not the end, but the path to victory.”
The service concluded with a Panakhyda (memorial service) for the victims of the war, a joint prayer for Ukraine “Great and Only God,” and a charity coffee event.
Press service of the Patriarchal Foundation “Mudra Sprava”