Catholic Bishop of Kharkiv describes ministry during war
It has been just over six months since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. ACN spoke with Bishop Pavlo Honcharuk of the Latin Diocese of Kharkiv-Zaporizhzhia about the situation in Kharkiv and how the Church is responding.
By ACN Staff
Bishop Pavlo Honcharuk visiting the injured in the hospital. (Credit: Aid to the Church in Need)
Bishop Pavlo Honcharuk of the Latin Diocese of Kharkiv-Zaporizhzhia, speaking to ACN, explained that children are often the ones most impacted by war. There are still many children in Kharkiv, despite Ukraine’s second city only being around twenty kilometres from the frontline. The city had a population of around 1.7 million before the war, so many families could not leave for various reasons.
Distribution of aid in Kharkiv. (Credit: Aid to the Church in Need)
The children spend much of their time in bomb shelters and are still able to play and have been given toys by the Church and others. As a result of the dangers and damage caused by artillery, children and young adults cannot go to school or university. Rockets and artillery have destroyed many schools, universities, and other public facilities and businesses in the city.
Bishop Honcharuk explained that both Catholic and Orthodox clergy are active in pastoral outreach to the people in Kharkiv. The bishop spoke about his sadness following a visit to a hospital, where he saw a three-year-old child who had been injured by artillery. The bishop sadly said it was unclear whether the child would survive.
The bishop detailed how priests have kept in contact with members of their congregations who have fled:
“Priests keep in touch with those who have left to go to other places in the country, and abroad. They have created groups on social media, and there they can support, teach, and help each other. Priests who have parishioners in the occupied territories work similarly, also keeping in touch with them as much as possible. But sometimes there is no contact at all, it depends on the situation.”
The bishop also outlined that the war has deepened many people’s faith and commitment.
“War breaks people's superficial sense of stability and security. Some people volunteer because it is easier for them to deal with an emergency, but a person of faith serves because he knows in Whom he believes, and why he is helping. This attitude is a light for people who don't know God. This is our mission, to help people, and to turn them to God. Our mission as priests and laymen is to always be ready because you never know when and what kind of person the Lord will put next to you. This war removes the veil from the deep longing for God.”
Emergency aid in the cathedral in Kharkiv. (Credit: Aid to the Church in Need)
Bishop Honcharuk has worked very closely with the Bishop Mitrofan of the local Ukrainian Orthodox eparchy since the outbreak of the war. Bishop Mitrofan even stayed with Bishop Honcharuk for four months, as the Orthodox bishop’s home was exposed to artillery and missiles. The two bishops visited the injured in hospital and those sheltering in the subway together. Bishop Honcharuk has said he has had contact with local Protestant leaders during the current crisis.
The bishop wanted to pass on these words of thanks to ACN benefactors for the support offered to the Ukrainian Church during the current war:
“I sincerely thank you! Let the words of Jesus Christ be your inspiration: “Whatever you did for one of my little ones, you did for me”. Let these verses strengthen you when fatigue sets in. Know that Christ is here, and he needs your help. Christ is in these suffering people, and they need your help. By helping them, one day you will hear from Him: “Thank you for helping me, because then I was hungry, cold, and you helped me. Enter the Kingdom of Heaven!” May God bless you!”