Letter from a Dominican in Ukraine

Kyiv - Photo by Viktor Hesse on Unsplash

Source: Fr Bob Eccles

Dear Sisters, Dear Brothers,

More than 200 days have passed since the war broke out. Although the recent military successes of the Ukrainian army and liberation from the Russian occupation of territories in the Kharkiv region and in the south of the country have brought us much joy, encouragement and hope, we all realize that we can achieve a full goal still have a long way to go in victory.

On the occasion of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, on the initiative of the Council of the Episcopal Conference of Europe, a Day of Prayer for Peace in Ukraine is organized. The motto is "On my knees before the Eucharist crying for peace" I am happy with this initiative by Archbishop Gintarasa, who visited Ukraine in July. Being Lithuanian, he certainly understands perfectly how godless and scary the ideology of "Russian peace" is.

Prayer is a special form of help to Ukraine. I am deeply convinced that it allowed us to survive the most difficult time of the beginning of the war and effectively extends strength to Dominicans and secular volunteers who serve those in need every day.

I've heard from many people that are experiencing God's care very specifically right now. Father Svorad said that the residents of Czortków are convinced that the intercession of Mary, especially honoured in this city, resulted in no one dying in the July rocket attack. The area of the city, where the bullets hit, was seriously damaged, but the shrine built there recently in honour of Our Lady of the Helper (Intercession) survived. It was solemnly consecrated jointly by a Catholic and Orthodox bishop in early September. These are signs that can be interpreted differently, but certainly for many war-torn people, they are confirmation of what one of the poems written at the beginning of the Russian aggression said: "God has not left Ukraine." He remained here among us. Where are our cities in ruins. Where the beam of hope went out."

During the meeting of Dominicans serving in Ukraine last week in Kiev, I spoke with our brother bishop Santa Claus from Mukaczewo. It was on his initiative a year ago that the bishop of Ukraine announced the Year of the Holy Cross, which is now coming to an end. "That time," bp emphasized. Santa allowed us to see how Providence cares for us. I remember people telling me well that if it wasn't for the sacrament of confession, the Eucharist, the Church and the common prayers, they are not sure if they would have endured the anxiety that came to their lives during the war."

In the presbyterium of the Dominican church in Fastów, bearing the title of Raising the Holy Cross, two characters were painted next to the cross icon. First up is St Martin de Porres. Second is Saint Mother Teresa of Kolkata . It is these saints who help us today to understand what exaltation of the Cross means in our own lives. St Mother Teresa was undoubtedly one of the most beautiful figures of modern times. Her greatness was expressed through humility, faith, humility and service to her neighbour. A Hindu was once asked, "What does it mean to be a Christian?" "He gave a very simple answer: "To be a Christian is to give." For God so loved the world that He gave His own Son - the first great sacrifice. But that was not enough for him. He made Himself hungry and naked so that we could give Him something".

A few days ago, the Dominican brothers in Poland published a concise summary of the uninterrupted help to Ukraine for more than half a year. I read them with emotion, because behind many of the initiatives described there I see the faces of specific good people, and sometimes I remember our telephone conversations in the evenings, when outside the window you could hear the sounds of fights defending Kiev. And countless texts: "Dad, how are you doing?" What can I do ? "I also read this report with great gratitude, having a deep conviction that in addition to what the holy words remind me of: Mother Teresa, meaning giving, each of us, on both sides of the border, has received so much during this time. I am convinced that thanks to the Ukrainians, both Poles and other people in the world, they could become at least a little bit better, more sensitive, loving, compassionate and understanding.

Refugees from Kiev, Bucza, Kharkiv and many, many other Ukrainian towns helped us a lot. They gave us a chance.

In February and March we were all worried about what would happen if the power or gas went out. How do we heat houses and monasteries? Now again we wonder what will happen when the frost comes. Is the heating enough and will the Russians, as they showed last Saturday, continue to destroy power plants and power lines with their rockets?

Another academic year has begun at the Kiev Institute of St Thomas of Aquinas. I remember a few months ago when my brothers and I were wondering if any new students would apply this year. War is finally on. Turns out there were a lot more of them coming than in previous years. There are both Catholics and Orthodox among them, as well as people who seek the truth. After all, it was like that from the very beginning of the Institute's existence, that is for 30 years. Petro's father, the institute's director, who conducted introductions with the new students, said most of them want to study with us, looking for a key that will help them understand what's going on now.

Looking at the student-filled auditorium on Friday, I remembered the letter from Timothy Radcliffe, writing in March to the Dominican Family in Ukraine: "The violence being used against your beautiful country is the poisoned fruit of lying. We, Dominicans, with our Veritas motto and our love for the truth, have a special testimony to offer today in a world that often doesn't care about the truth."

The Inaugural Lecture was delivered by Fr Wojciech Giertych, papal theologian from the Vatican, and at the same time our great friend, who has been supporting the activities of the Kyiv Institute for many years. He spoke of the Catholic understanding of freedom, emphasizing that freedom, according to holy teachings. Thomas is shaped by values and is freedom "to", not just freedom "from". This is an important reflection, which mobilizes during the war to think creatively about the future.

Another guest in Kiev was Christopher Fadok, Provincial of Western Province of the Most Holy Name Jesus from the USA. On Saturday we visited the Fasts together.

Christopher (nicknamed USA) recalled years ago when he received a T-shirt from his dad that said: "Ukrainian Secret Agent"... so USA in a nutshell. It was no accidental gift. The ancestors of Christopher came to America from Ukraine. As in many beautiful stories, including in this case, love brought his ancestors together on the shores of the Atlantic, and true sympathy for Ukraine remained in the hearts of future generations of Fadok.

I accompanied Christopher with great joy in his first visit to the Ukraine. Glad he got to see Lions and Kiev I saw his emotion while meeting the head of Ukrainian Greek Catholics archbishop. With Siatoslav Shevczuk, about whom he said "my archbishop is greater", because the Fadok were Greek Catholics.

I am convinced that when on the way to Fastow with Fr Wojciech, papal theologian and Fr Jack Buda from the USA, to whom I will be eternally grateful for translating my letters into English and to Anna and Denis, the volunteers of the Holy House. Marcina, we were visiting towns and villages in Podkijov destroyed by Russian troops, Fr Christopher looked at the traces of recent atrocities not only with his eyes and listened about. Masses talking about how you can still help the victims of war, not only with your ears, but above all with your heart. No wonder, finally in what rhythm can the heart of Ukrainian Secret Agent beat?

Lastly, I'll mention my province Fr Zaukasz and his associate Fr Simon. Returning from Kiev to Warsaw, they broke a record. They stood at the border for 11 hours and 20 minutes. Well... you need to be lucky.

With gratitude, greetings, and requests for prayers,

Jarosław Tailor OP,
Kiev, September 14