Major Archbishop of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholics, His Beatitude Sviatoslav Shevchuk, took part in an ecumenical prayer meeting in Philadelphia (United States), on the occasion of the third anniversary of the beginning of the war in Ukraine. During this event, he issued an appeal to the international community, emphasizing that "without justice, peace remains an illusion."
"A ceasefire is not peace, and a political agreement cannot restore justice. A truce that leaves people suffering under occupation is cruel torture. Without justice, peace is impossible: it becomes an empty promise," he stated firmly.
These words were spoken during an ecumenical celebration for peace in Ukraine, held on Sunday, February 16, at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia. The local Archbishop, Most Reverend Nelson Pérez, was also present to support this initiative.
In his address, Archbishop Shevchuk expressed his gratitude to American Catholics for their prayers, support, and solidarity during these three years of conflict. "God is always on the side of the innocent. He is with us. We are holding on because millions of people around the world, like you, are praying and supporting us. They believe that good and truth triumph with God, and that evil, lies, and death will never have the final word. We are alive because we are not alone. Thank you for being by our side!" he affirmed emotionally.
Archbishop Nelson Pérez, for his part, compared Ukraine's path to a true Way of the Cross. "In walking the Via Crucis, we also walk the difficult path of peace. All people of good will desire peace. But peace means much more than the absence of war. As Pope Saint Paul VI said:
'If you want peace, work for justice.'
Any future effort for peace must include justice, in order to address the trauma inflicted on Ukraine and guarantee respect for its historical and sovereign borders," he added.
The head of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church also emphasized that international support gives him the strength to continue his ministry to the victims of the war. "Your support allows me to wipe the tears of widows and orphans who have lost everything, to find words to comfort wounded soldiers, and to console those whose homes and lives have been destroyed. I draw my strength from you: from your prayers, your generosity, and your presence," he shared.
He also noted that this third anniversary of the war is both painful and victorious. "Painful, because war brings death and destruction. Victorious, because a country given no chance against a superior enemy has held on for three years. We want peace. Every Ukrainian longs for nights without air raids, mornings without explosions, days without death, and nights without fear. But a ceasefire is not peace, and a political agreement cannot bring justice. A truce that leaves people suffering under occupation is a cruel mockery. Without justice, peace is impossible: it is an illusion and an empty promise," he concluded gravely.