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Ukrainian Major Archbishop calls for just peace for Ukraine
Major Archbishop Shevchuk appeals for support for Ukraine in the USA and calls for a just peace without aggression.
Ukrainian Major Archbishop calls for just peace for Ukraine
Washington/Kiev, February 19, 2025 – Major Archbishop Svyatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGKK), is currently touring the United States to promote greater understanding and support for Ukraine. He held several church services and prayers for peace in Philadelphia, Washington and Baltimore, thanking American Catholics for their solidarity during the conflict in Ukraine. Shevchuk stressed that Ukraine is holding out because it stands together, fights and prays, with millions of people around the world standing behind it. His urgent appeal: “We want peace – but not peace at any price” is unmistakable. A mere ceasefire that leaves Ukraine in a state of occupation is unacceptable, he said at a peace prayer that he led together with Archbishop Nelson Perez.
A call for just peace
In a further statement to representatives of the Catholic Church in Germany, the Major Archbishop called for a “just peace” that does not recognize the aggression as a success. “We want peace with all our hearts and souls,” said Shevchuk in Berlin. The war is a relentless marathon and the international community must continue to support Ukraine to protect the country's right to exist. Bishop Georg Bätzing, the chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, also reiterated that Ukraine's self-defense was legitimate and that any form of glorification of war contradicted the values of the Catholic Church. The Russian Orthodox Church, which subordinated itself to the interests of the Moscow government, was particularly harshly criticized. In contrast, Shevchuk is seen as a symbol of resistance after being on a lethal list by a Russian special forces.
The serious situation in which Ukraine finds itself is communicated by Shevchuk to the international community. His powerful words are intended to send a clear message of unity and support. “Let us stand together, quickly, steadfastly and fearlessly,” he calls, while underlining the need for a just peace that respects the integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, as well Weltkirche.de reported.