care about their Christian obligation. We must be holy and always vigilant
avoiding every occasion of sin. To teach a child to make the Sign of the Cross
and instruct a little one in the Faith is nobler than earthly undertakings.
The salvation of one soul is far greater
than fasts and austerities; to snatch a soul
from mortal sin is the greatest act one can
perform as the slightest sin is worse than all
the evils of earth! The universe, as a whole,
is made up of individual souls. Mankind does
not exist; there exists only individual men
and women. There is no mob. Humanity is
an abstraction that cannot be saved; only
individuals who make up humanity can be
saved. God knocks at the door of our souls
and, until we open the door, He cannot enter!
We have all been living now through the
crucifixion of our families and Nation,
devastated by the corona virus. This is not the
first time plague has devastated a country.
We have come face to face with death,
isolation and fear. All things in this world
are passing. This virus has given us a chance
to focus on the Resurrection of Christ Who
has overcome death. It has been an opportunity for us to ask God’s forgiveness
for our transgressions and sins. As we return to the normalcy of living, let us not
forget the lessons we have gleamed through this suffering.
You and your family are held up in prayer at the Divine Altar. We ask God to
give us the grace to persevere amidst suffering and persecution, and to be more
conscious of our duties as His apostles.
May He give you health of body and soul! What joy to be a slave of Christ’s Love,
carried on high, by and with Him, so that we, through all eternity, may bless and
thank the Father for our redemption!
Your prayers and stipends are a great strength for the Church in Ukraine for
which we are profoundly thankful!
I impart to all of you, my priestly blessing:
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In the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Father IVAN KOLODIY
Byzantine Rite, Greek-Catholic Church, UKRAINE