Statement on the Unprovoked Invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation
These recent days the staff of MASI have watched the events in Ukraine with horror. Our thoughts go especially to our students, both current and former, with ties to Ukraine. This is a time of great suffering for the Ukrainian people. Pope Francis has described it thusly, “Rivers of blood and tears are flowing in Ukraine. It is not merely a military operation, but a war, which sows death, destruction and misery.” (March 6, 2022) We echo the words of Patriarch Bartholomew, “We are certain that the Lord will hear our prayers and will not abandon his beloved children in Ukraine.” (February 27, 2022)
The Sheptytsky Institute condemns this military action and encourages all people of goodwill to enter this season of Great Lent with a real attitude of prayer and fasting for peace in Ukraine. His Beatitude Sviatoslav has reminded us that this will be a Lent unlike any other. Recognizing this penitential season calls for us all to make sacrifices, the annual Easter appeal of the Sheptytsky Institute will be directed in entirety to the Catholic Near East Welfare Association to support the suffering of the Ukrainian people. Beyond that, the directors of the Sheptytsky Institute Foundation have committed to offering matching funds for these donations, to further aid the Ukrainian people.
Be informed. Pray. Fast. Give alms. З нами Бог!
“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.’” (Mt 25:40 RSV)
The Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute of Eastern Christian Studies
Humanitarian projects which support the suffering of the people of Ukraine:
Catholic Near East Welfare Association www.cnewa.org
Chalice Canada www.chalice.ca
Canadian Red Cross: Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal www.redcross.ca
UCC-CUF Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal www.cufoundation.ca
KofC Ukraine Solidarity Fund https://www.kofc.org/secure/en/donate/ukraine.html
Caritas Ukraine Emergency Appeal http://caritas.ua/