Our goal is to heal a person and lead him to freedom, Head of the UGCC to the prison wardens

The Head of the UGCC greeted all participants of the All-Ukrainian pilgrimage, organized for the administrators of State Penitentiary Service at the Marian Spiritual Center “Zarvanytsia.”

 In his speech to the heads of penitentiary institutions, the Head of the UGCC stressed that the words “penitentiary system” refer not so much to punishment as to penance, and such places as Zarvanytsia, a place of healing, give new meaning to all those involved in this service.

 “I want to assure you that our clergy, the chaplains, both from our Church and from other Churches, are always ready to be close to you and to those who have committed crimes and are serving sentences in the institutions of your system.  We want them to experience this time as atonement and finding a way to freedom.  Rest assured that our priests will do their utmost to achieve this lofty goal – to save man from evil by joint efforts,” the Head of the Church emphasized.

His Beatitude Sviatoslav told the staff of the penitentiary system that he understood the difficulty of their task and service.

 “This is not an easy task, but rest assured that our Church will make every effort to go together to this very high, noble goal – to heal a person and lead him to freedom,” the UGCC Head added.

 The Primate thanked the organizers of the pilgrimage that, despite the pandemic, it did happen.  He also thanked that the chaplains are allowed to visit the prisoners again.  “I know how difficult it was to reopen these doors,” said His Beatitude Sviatoslav, adding: “But I think it means an open heart, an open sky, and an open road to God.”

 “May the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom we especially venerate here and whose presence we feel here, be your teacher, guide, protection, light and hope,” the Head of the UGCC wished.

The UGCC Department for Information