UKRAINE

Fr. Pavlo Vyshkovskyi, OMI is the former Delegation Superior of the Ukraine. At present he is the pastor of the Oblate parish of St. Nicholas in Ukraine’s capital Kyiv. Here are some extracts of the posts he shared on his personal Facebook page, encouraging his parishoners, on February 26, 2022.

“When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away… But not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life.”
(Lk 21,9. 18-19)

Beloved brothers and sisters,

In such difficult moments of life, the support for us is the Word of God and prayer! We know from history that when all diplomatic and negotiating means fail, only prayer can save the world from destruction! Only prayer can save Ukraine! Our soldiers need our prayer to protect our land, our government needs prayer for God to give it wisdom, our enemies need prayer to come to their senses, and we need prayer so that fear does not overwhelm us and our hearts are filled with peace.

Therefore, from today we all need to intensify prayer. Missionary Oblates of Immaculate working in the parish of St. Nicholas will be in prayer throughout the day. We are waiting with Jesus for everyone who experiences fear, loneliness, danger or needs support, help and comfort.

Remember, only with God is it always safe!

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 7).

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Despite hostilities in Kiev, Oblate missionaries have not left St. Nicholas’s church and their people in Kiev.

The whole world is praying for Ukraine. During the day, many people called us, assuring us that they were grieving, crying and praying with us. Calls came from Italy, France, Poland, Spain, America, and the Vatican.

“If God is for us, then who is against us? He who did not spare His Son, but betrayed Him for all of us, will He not give us everything together with Him? Who will accuse God’s elect? God is the One who justifies! ” (Romans 8, 31-32).

During this day, the greatest thing we pastors do and can do is contemplate Jesus in the Most Holy Eucharist. We do it for Ukraine, for our people, for our parish, for each of you… Whatever happens – whether there is a connection or not – we are there all day for you! There is always an opportunity to give you the Holy Sacrament, which may be the best thing to receive in such a difficult time.

Many Ukrainians save themselves by fleeing to the West. They often take refuge in churches and monasteries. This is in the Oblate religious house in Chernihiv. Several dozen people took refuge in the monastery. Father Piotr Wróblewski OMI, a missionary from Poland, confirms that the Oblates are safe. 
The city is still under attack.  (Photo: www.oblaci.pl)