Metropolitan-Archbishop, Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia; President, Ukrainian Catholic University

In the fall of 2013, Ukrainians began a popular uprising, later known as the Revolution of Dignity: the culmination of a decades-long journey from post-totalitarian, post-Soviet fear to God-given dignity and freedom. However, this pursuit of freedom was punished immediately by Russia seeking to reestablish an empire of Soviet proportions. Russia annexed Crimea and occupied the Donbas. In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale war against Ukraine.

This war is about people, their longing for freedom, their inherent dignity, and their right to worship as they choose - for all Ukrainian Churches and denominations, and especially for the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.