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Letters from Br. Błażej: Night 249

October 31, 2022

God gives us another day. We are alive. Others, in the occupied territories and at the front, have closed their eyes but, unlike us, have not opened them again. How good that we Christians have eternal life. Life does not end, but only changes.

We leave for Lviv. Air raid alerts. There is information that explosions are heard in Lviv. God, give us peace.

The Word… “Let everyone keep an eye not only on his own affairs, but also on those of others.” Listening to this word, I was reminded of the conduct and choices of my late mother, Florentyna, who often thought of the welfare of others rather than her own. She loved us, her family, but often spoke of the need to help those she worked with and met. She was never indifferent to the suffering of people. That’s why the following word is no stranger to me: “Let each person mind not only his own business, but also that of others.”

“If you abide in my teaching, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth.”
Here is the truth: God is love!!! God loves you!!!

We live in a war, we do not live by war.

Help of angels. In my previous letter I mentioned Marcin Izyk and his team. Photos from the recent trip to Kyiv, Izium… (photo)

Krasyliv, Capuchin Sisters:
s. Margaret: “In the evening a wonderful time with our parishioners. Many people came to join in making trench candles for the soldiers, for the front. These are the candles what will warm, light and are not afraid of bad weather, even rain.
This is an amazing moment when many people come, but everyone knows what to do, everyone knows their place. I am touched by such moments when whole families come to support those who are separated from their families. (photo)

Vinnytsia:
Reception and transfer of more gifts from Poland by the Capuchin monastery in Vinnytsia to our defenders of the Ukrainian land. (photo)

Krasyliv:
Another children’s and youth camp has ended. Not a small bunch. Thank God. (photo)

Ukrainian black soil in the sun, for which also, among other things, Ukrainians are fighting and dying. (photo)

Ukraine is rising, despite the war and network damage, the rulers promise not to turn off the electricity.

Brothers, I encourage you, let us pray for each other, for the new custos and his board and, above all, for our Benefactors and defenders of our land.

God is love.

Letters from Br. Błażej: Night 248

October 31, 2022

God has given us another day, the Lord’s Day. We experience once again the death and resurrection of Jesus and in Him—our death and life. God is love.

In the evening we said goodbye to Br. Marek, the provincial, who left for Poland by train. Marek, we thank you for your love for us and your ministry as minister-servant.
I envy my new custos to work with you in the years to come. Deo gratias!

The Word… I take today’s Gospel Word very personally. In the seminary, when I made the decision to leave the order, God intervened, gave me this word, about Zacchaeus. A man of integrity, but because of his low stature (injuries, complexes, false image of God) he didn’t see or hear or know the living Jesus. All I had to do was climb the tree (get out of my habits, old patterns, natural religiosity) and at that moment I heard a voice: today I want to be in your house, your heart. Today salvation became a part of my life. Today, i.e. 1989, I became a child of God again, and to this day I am a Capuchin. You too are a child of God. Father, he loves you. God is love.

We live in war, we do not live by war.

Starokostiantyniv:
A meeting with the leaders of the School of Mary, at which Bishop Radoslav Zmitrovich, Br. Marek, Br. Rafał, our provincials from Krakow and Br. Sergey Kippa, the custos, were present. About 40 leaders from different parts of Ukraine, branches of the School, came to the meeting.  Thus began the canonical visitation of the School, the visitator being Br. Rafał, the provincial vicar. May God guide you. (photo) During the meeting we were accompanied by an alarm signal. Alerts throughout Ukraine. (photo)

Kyiv:
Another Alpha meeting in the Capuchin parish. (photo)

From the road:
Once again with the gift of love came our angels from Poland, Marcin Izyk and his team. In three vans they brought us gifts of heart from brothers, Christians from Poland. Brothers, may God grant you and your/our benefactors His peace and may God Himself reward you.
Photos sent by Marcin will follow in my next letter.

Bill, THANK YOU!
Together with my custos Br. Sergey, we thank our dear brothers from the United States of America of the Province of St. Joseph of Detroit, who continue to provide us with financial support.
Brother Bill, thank you. You are a good angel for us, bringing good word and help. Bill, please thank you to our benefactors and brothers in your province.
We are praying for you for you, our Benefactors. When the war is over, we invite you to join us in our open homes.
By the way, a very sincere thank you to Br. Henryk Cisowski for his daily, not light service of translating these letters into English. Heniu, brother, a heartfelt big “Thank you” Good that you are! God loves you!

Lviv:
Vigil night, with “All Saints.” (photo)

Letters from Br. Błażej: Night 247

October 29, 2022

A new day. We are alive. God is merciful once again. In the evening long hours in the dark without electricity. God, give us peace.

The Word… “Christ will be glorified in my body: whether by life or by death. For to me to live—is Christ, and to die—is gain”. This Word touches me, not because I live it, but because it surpasses me.

I have one desire, for the Word to be fulfilled in me, but not by my own strength, desire, but by the work of the Holy Spirit Himself. And this is the good news, not by my power, but by the power of the Spirit Himself. God is love.

We live in a war, we do not live by war.

Chapter:
Last meetings. Eucharist presided by Brother Władysław, guardian of the local community, Brother Stanisław (pastor) and Brother Victor.  Rafał’s homily and the closing word of the chapter—Br. Marek, provincial. For everything, for each brother, the new custos and his council, good people, God and people be thanked. (photo)

War front:
Rest of a soldier at the front. (photo)

May the Lord protect us and grant us peace.

Letters from Br. Błażej: Night 246

October 28, 2022

In our area the night was war-quiet. Alarms, power outages. In the eastern regions of Ukraine: bombs, drones, innocent people are being killed. This morning we ended the chapter. Brothers go to their homes. Oremus. God bless, may the brothers arrive happily.

The Word… Once again God/Word confirms who I am in God’s eyes, in his heart—what I am called to be.
“Brothers, you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens of the saints and household members of God…” This God knows me by name. He knows who I am, knows my life, history and… He wants to have a relationship with me just as I am, a close relationship, an intimate relationship. Don’t be afraid to answer God like Mary: I don’t understand everything, I believe, I am afraid, but to your Word—YES.

God loves you—He is love.

We live in war, we do not live by war.

Starokostiantiyniv, Chapter:
We already have a new council of the Custody of Ukraine:

  • Br. Sergey Kippa, custodian
  • Br. Adam Wróbel, first councilor
  • Br. Marek Lisowski, second councilor

Photo attached. (photo)

A group photo that will become history. Unfortunately, not all brothers were able to be there due to health and formal reasons. (photo)
Confession of faith and oath of the custodian and the new board. (photo).
Eucharist—presided by Br. Sergey Kippa, concelebrated by the Custody Councilors, Adam and Marek. (photo)
Informal meetings. (photo)

We visited Mr. Nicholas, our benefactor, who is building our traditional Capuchin altar. A part of the altar, is already in our church. (photo)

Lviv:
Invitation to a night of vigil. (photo)

Letters from Br. Błażej: Night 245

October 27, 2022

God gives us a new day. The night has passed. There were kamikaze drone attacks in Kyiv Province. We do not know if there are casualties. Similarly, territories around Zaporizhzhia were attacked. God, give us peace!!!

The Word… A time of war, a real war, more dangerous and more serious in its consequences.

“Brothers: be strong in the Lord—by the strength of His might. Clothe yourselves with the full armor of God, that you may stand firm against the wiles of the devil. For we are not fighting a battle against flesh and blood, but against the Entities, against the Authorities, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spiritual elements of evil in the heavenly heights.”

Here is the armor for this war:

  1. “Stand therefore for battle, having girded your loins with truth, and having clothed yourselves with the armor which is righteousness, and having shod your feet in readiness to proclaim the good news of peace.”
  2. “In every position take faith as a shield.”
  3. “Take also the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, that is, the word of God.”
  4. “At every opportunity, pray in the Spirit!”

Courage, God is with us. God is the source of true peace. God of love!!!

We live in war, we do not live by war.

Information from last night:

“Dear Brothers,
On Monday the Chapter of the Custody of Ukraine began. This evening a new custos was elected: Br. Sergey Kippa. Tomorrow by noon the election of councilors will take place. I already congratulate Br. Sergey and thank Br. Błażj for his generous service so far. Let us not cease, Brothers, to pray for a just peace for all Ukraine.
Peace and good!
Br. Marek Miszczyński, OFMCap, Provincial Minister”

Brother Piotr Stasiński, our General Councilor, who is currently on a visitation in Sędziszów Małopolski, Poland, also sent his greetings and congratulations. Brother Piotr, thank you.

Wartime conditions. I would only add that the election was in the dark, with flashlights. During the voting for the custodian, alarm sirens could be heard outside the windows. (photo)

War/custodian jokes. (photo)

Dnipro:
A brief report on the 7th election chapter from Ukraine. Election of the new Custos: https://youtu.be/9z-ten_S_BA

Social media sprinkled with numerous greetings.

From Kyiv, from parishioners, congratulations with a hint of sadness, “it’s a pity for such a pastor, who’s been a gift from God.” (photo)

Pope Francis to the priests of Ukraine: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-10/pope-francis-question-and-answer-seminarians-in-rome.html

May God protect us and grant us peace.

Letters from Br. Błażej: Night 244

October 26, 2022

We are alive. Living our new wartime normal. It is calm in our area. Dnipro was shelled; there are civilian casualties.

The Word… We are at chapter where the important word is: obey, listen to each other…
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” Whoever you are, God is calling you, encouraging you to listen. I am the custos (superior)—the first among the brothers of the Custody of Ukraine. The time has come for the word to be fulfilled… “For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.” The time has come—tonight (Wednesday) the next superior of the Custody of Ukraine will be elected. Holy Spirit, come…

We live in war, we do not live by war.

Kyiv:
By noon drones were coming towards Kyiv. They were reportedly shot down. Thank God and the soldiers.

Starokostiantyniv:
Yesterday was calmer in our area, in this war reality. During Vespers lights went out—We finished praying in the light of smartphones. (photo)
Today’s Eucharist was presided by Br. Marek, the provincial. Br. Rafał, the provincial vicar, preached the homily and Br. Patryk concelebrated—the oldest vocation of our custody. (photo)
Chapter sessions take place in the chapel “upper” room above the friars’ choir. (photo)
Shared meals in the friar’s refectory (dining room where, traditionally, tables stand along the walls so we can have eye contact). (photo)

Letters from Br. Błażej: Night 243

October 25, 2022

Yesterday, when most of the brothers were on their way to the chapter, there were air raid alerts all over Ukraine. In the afternoon—war tranquility. Aircrafts over our skies…. Fortunately it’s just Ukrainian ЗСУ protecting us.

The brothers happily arrived. We began the 7th Ordinary Chapter of the Custody of Ukraine. Presided by Br. Marek, provincial, spiritual father of the chapter, and Br. Rafał, provincial vicar.  After the Eucharist and prayer to the Holy Spirit, we began our deliberations. Thank you for your prayers and please pray for us. Please remember Ukraine. (photo)

The Word… An important Word for this time…. “Brothers: be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.” Our lives depend not on people or war, but on God. To be afraid? Only of God, not to reject His love, His grace. God is love.

We live in war, we do not live by war.

Minsk, Belarus:
From Br. Andrew, Custos:

“Oh how good and nice it is when Brothers… live together… I wish you the power of the Crucified One, who is as close to you as ever. May this meeting of yours allow you to look with hope at your presence and the history of the Capuchins in Ukraine. Valiantly seek and recognize the will of the Most High, dear Brothers from the penitent land!!!”

Starokostiantyniv:
Brother Rafał opened our chapter with a talk. He spoke about our conversion which involves, among other things, changing our thinking. Preaching by a battery lamp. No power. Holy Spirit come with your light. (photo)

Krasyliv:
They received freely and give freely. The Gospel lived in deeds. Gifts given to the needy and on the front line too. (photo)

Starokostiantyniv/Verborodyntsi:
On Sunday, in the small village where Brothers Vladislav and Victor commute with pastoral ministry, they consecrated a cross—a sign of victory over death (war) and Satan (the spirit of war). Resurrection is near. (photo)

Vinnytsia:
Our Future—Reception of new altar boys, altar servants. Br. Alexander M. and Br. Igor M. (photo)

War joke: war cats. (photo)

May God grant us peace….

Letters from Br. Błażej: Night 242

October 24, 2022

Another war night has passed. The morning was calmer than previous days. There was electricity in the monastery all Sunday. We are with those who have no light, heat, etc. We are waiting for what the day will bring. Some brothers are already on their way to Provincial Chapter in Starokostiantyniv.

The Word… Tonight we will begin our Chapter of the Custody of Ukraine. God gives me a word for this time, celebrating our brotherhood. “Brothers: be good and merciful to one another. Forgive one another, as God has also forgiven you in Christ.”
“Your word, Lord, is truth, sanctify us in truth.”
God is love!
We live in war, we don’t live by war.

Children. Children of war. Victims of war. (photo)

Provincials, Marek and Rafał, with gifts from the Capuchin Sisters of Krakow, Poland. Donations, cookies and more… Let us pray for our Brothers and Benefactors. We still had electricity during social. (photo) Eucharist in already darkened Capuchin oratory. (photo)

Krasyliv/Letychiv:
Brother Leonid Kushniruk, assistant of the OFS attended the chapter of the local community in Letychiv. (photo)

Starokostiantyniv:
Children—postponed First Holy Communion.
Mother and daughter at the Eucharist in our Capuchin choir. (photo)
Famous throughout our custody bilyanky, girls serving Mass. (photo)

Our Chapter:
From Brother Jure from Croatia.

“Dear Brother Błażej!
Thank you for another report on the aggression in Ukraine. This has been already 241 reports. Terrible, but we do not lose hope that good will overcome evil. We are with you with prayer, proximity and solidarity.
If the enemy continues to attack Ukraine, we must all continue to pray, because prayer is the most powerful weapon.
‘Two hands folded in prayer achieve more than two clenched fists’ (H. Camara).
I read that the Custody Chapter begins. Is it an election chapter? Please convey our greetings and prayers to all the brothers attending the chapter, especially Brother Marek and his companion.
I wish you many blessings and peace.
Brother Jure”

May God protect us and grant us peace.

Letters from Br. Błażej: Night 241

October 23, 2022

Yesterday I reached Starokostiantyniv late in the afternoon. On the way, I celebrated the Eucharist in the community of the Franciscan Secular Order in Staryi Ostropil.
Yesterday morning’s air raids destroyed electrical grid—probably in the entire province. There’s no electricity, water or gas in Khmelnytskyi. Stores are closed. We are waiting…
Thank God, power was turned on yesterday around 10 p.m. in Starokostiantyniv. Although late, it gave life back to the friars. That and wifi. 🙂

A new day, the Lord’s Day.
I picked up two provincial ministers, Marek and Rafał, from Khmelnytskyi, 46 km (28.5 miles) from Starokostiantyniv. They will preside at our custodial chapter.  Nowadays, great men of this world come to us by train. So did arrive our leadership too. Thank God for our ministers. We are already in Starokostiantyniv. Tomorrow our brothers will arrive for the chapter. I ask you all, reading this letter, to pray briefly for the intentions of our chapter.

The Word… Listening to Sunday’s Liturgy of the Word, in our context of war in particular, I am touched by Psalm 34: “The Lord hears those crying for help and saves them from all anguish.” “The Lord turns his face against evil doers, to wipe out the memory of them from the earth. The Lord hears those crying for help and rescues them from all anguish.”

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;
and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.
The LORD redeems the lives of his servants;
no one incurs guilt who takes refuge in him.

God is near. God has not left Ukraine. He listens to the prayer of the humble. God is love!!!

We live in war, we do not live by war.

Kyiv and Starokostiantyniv continue to help the poor, the displaced and refugees. We buy some groceries in Ukrainian stores from financial aids received from our Brothers and Benefactors.

Lviv:
The funeral of another soldier who defended our land against the Russian occupiers. Brother Zbyszek Sawczuk was at the funeral. (photo) Invitation to prayer of worship.(photo) Night vigil in Lviv. (photo) Meeting of catechists. (photo) Reconstruction in Lviv: Monastic chapel and entrance to monastery. (photo)

Starokostiantyniv:
There is light in Starkon! And internet!!! … and water…. And brothers in the living room. (photo)
A retreat for young people was held. “Let’s lean on the Word of God, get to know our gifts and values.” Next meeting will be held in November. (photo)

May God guard us and grant us light in the darkness.

Letters from Br. Błażej: Night 240

October 22, 2022

God has given us a new day. We are alive. There were alarms in Kiev at night, which I did not hear. The city government turns off the lights so that the grid—partially damaged by shellings—can withstand the voltage. Here is another dimension of the war.

It is 7:32 a.m. in Kyiv, another alarm begins. We are at Lauds and meditation…. we can hear it.

8:00 a.m. and all “green Ukraine” in red, alarms all over the country. Bombs are flying from various directions from Russia, in various directions of Ukraine.

The Word… Two Words touch me.
The first, “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, says the Lord, but rather in his conversion that he may live.” This means that God does not want my death, and note, God does not want death of Russian soldiers (thugs) who rape, kill, burn, destroy… God wants us to repent and live. God is not the God of death, but of life.
Second: “Do you think….” or “or think”…. and further: “But … if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!”
My conversion, life, is related to my thinking, to my mentality. The way I think is the way I live. I think like God, the Word—I live…  I think like man, humanly—I perish… Choose… life or death.

God loves you. God is love. Choose life, listen to the Word of God!

We live in war, we do not live by war.

It turns out that this statement is true: “We live in a war, we do not live a war.” A psychotherapist who survived a concentration camp said that the camp was survived by those who learned to live a “normal” life in the camp. Those who died were those who waited for it to end. Likewise perished those who claimed that the camp would never end! Hence my encouragement, “We live in war, we do not live by war.”

We have two invitations:

Lviv:
Invitation to Marian Night. Vigil with John Paul II. (photo)

Vinnytsia:
From October 30, “Music within the monastery walls.” (photo)

Krasyliv:
Our parishioners, baked 928 croissants for ЗСУ soldiers at the front. (photo) Fraternal meeting with young people. (photo) A wartime joke. (photo)

Starokostiantyniv:
No light. They smashed some infrastructure in Khmelnytskyi.

Lviv:
Today was a funeral of a soldier at 2:00 p.m. I was asked to attend. Meeting of catechists at the parish in Sykhiv. Night of Vigil. Sergei preaches the word (photo)

May God protect us and grant us peace.

Letters from Br. Błażej: Night 239

October 21, 2022

We survived the night peacefully in our part of Kyiv.

7:48 am in Kyiv—first alarm. It began. Yesterday (Thursday), for the first time our lights were turned off for a few hours, in order to reduce power consumption. It wasn’t anything terrible today but it will get worse when winter temperatures come. God will take care. We are alive. Deo gratias!

Bombs are falling on Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia. Today, as every Friday in October, we fast on bread and water with the intention of ending the war and peace.

The Word… Listening to the Word below makes me wonder about the so-called Christianity. St. Paul’s word is unequivocal: “There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism. There is one God and Father of all, who is and acts above all, through all and in all.” This word is realized only in the Holy Spirit. In another “spirit” we have a war between two Christian countries. We have a similar war in a different “spirit” in heads, in families, in communities. Come, Holy Spirit. God is love.

We live in war, we do not live by war.

Tragicomedy (quote):
“As I correctly understood, Ukraine attacked Russia in Ukraine, that’s why Russia declared martial law (well, in Russia there is no war no, no, no) to defend Ukraine from Ukraine in Ukraine, which is not Ukraine but Russia?”

Kyiv:
Our angels, brother Jan and brother Henryk left us. Brothers, thank you and—God willing—see you soon. (photo)

Starokostiantyniv:
Meeting for children in our Capuchin refectory. Br. Sergey Gubitsky, the good shepherd. (photo)

Krasyliv:
Brother Maciej prays the rosary online almost every evening for various intentions.

May God guard and protect us.

Letters from Br. Błażej: Night 238

October 20, 2022 Thursday

We are alive! Thank God. Yesterday lunchtime alarms and air strikes of rockets, kamikaze drones started. The alarms covered all of Ukraine. God protected us. We are alive!

What has the occupier prepared for us today. We are waiting… Time: 10:15 am across Ukraine in alarms.

Word… Often on the Internet there were photos of kneeling soldiers at the Eucharist, at prayer. Important was the comment, under this photo:

“He who kneels before God does not kneel and bow to the enemy.” This is the spirit of the word:
“Brothers: I bend my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name, that according to the riches of His glory He may cause in you by His Spirit, that the inner man may be mightily strengthened.”

Our strength, is the Spirit of the Father, who “strengthens” in us and gives us strength…. Heroes do not die! Герої не вмирають !

We live the war, we do not live by war.

I encourage you to listen to the music video “U mnie nie ma domu” (I have no home). Touching:

As Brother Sergei, Superior in Vinnitsa wrote below, we welcomed long-awaited angels who brought gifts for our refugees and displaced persons – Capuchin friars from Poland from Mogilno, gave us gifts in Krasilow, Vinnitsa and Kiev. (Photo)
With gratitude we pray for our brothers and benefactors. I personally thank Br. Luke, the provincial of Warsaw, for the support of our angels, Brothers John and Henry. God bless. God is love.

May God protect us and grant us peace.

Letter from Br. Błażej: Night 237

October 19, 2022

We are alive. The night was calm at our place. In the East it varies. Multiple shellings were reported all night long on infrastructure facilities, in Dnipro District, and in Zaporizhzhia. It’s 7:50 am. We are waiting to see what this morning will bring.

The Word… This word can cause fear in my heart: “You… must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” Another word from the same liturgy today, gives peace: “God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior.” It all depends on which god you believe in. To fear or to love. God is love, it means to love and to live in peace, not even knowing when he will come…

We live in war, we do not live by war.

I am far from politics, hostility to the Russian state and nation, but what is happening now is no longer war, it is terrorism on the part of Russia. The war is on the frontline, between soldiers. In Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, infrastructure facilities are being destroyed: central heating plants, water and sewage networks. The first cold weather is coming. This is terrorism.

Press all around the world writes about Ukraine, but unfortunately about war, drones and Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Maybe someday they will write about the end of the war and reconstruction. God willing. (photo)

Attention. The Synod of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (ПЦУ) has allowed those parishes that want to, to celebrate Christmas on December 25. Good news.

Kyiv:
We continue to work. It’s our form of protest: NO TO WAR and occupiers. (photo)
Bishop Oleksander Yazlovtsky, on the occasion of his visit to our monastery, visited the Nazareth School in our Capuchin premises. A Polish language lesson was held. (photo) Every Tuesday, the friars pray with the people through the intercession of Padre Pio for the end the war. (photo)

Krasyliv:
“The only one who does something here is the pastor” (quote) (photo) Capuchin friars from Warsaw Province brought us some humanitarian aid and stopped for a while in Krasyliv. The goal of their mission is, of course, to go to the capital—Kiev, and how else! On the way, they will still visit Vinnytsia. We thank Br. Jan and Br. Henryk for their help and especially for their memory. Varsovians can be generous too! (photo)

Belgorod, Russia:
Explosions are heard again.

Lviv:
Deanery meeting in Lviv. (photo)

May God guard and protect us.

Letter from Br. Błażej: Night 236

October 18, 2022

We survived the night. It is 7:34 a.m. Now mornings have become dangerous. Recently, after 8:00 a.m., the occupiers sent bombs, drones. Alarms, explosions increased, people were killed. We are waiting to see what will happen today…

Just like yesterday, there were drones shellings at our left bank of Kyiv, in Desnianskyi District, hitting critical infrastructure, a thermal power plant, 5 km (3 miles) from us. So far we have light and we are alive.

The Word… This simple Word gives me more courage to become and be faithful, because He is: “But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it.”

To preach the Gospel now is first and foremost to be present, to be here and now: “You did not choose me, but I chose you, that you should go and bear fruit.” Here and now in Kyiv, or in other places where we are, we live. We “bear fruit” because we are here. God is… love!!!

We live in war, we do not live by war.

Yesterday there was another exchange of prisoners of war, one for one, 108 girls and women who served in various formations of the Ukrainian Army. Among them were 5 civilian women. (photo)

Yesterday, after lunch, there were alerts all over Ukraine due to air raids and kamikaze drones. Anti-missile systems were working very often. Thank God, we are alive. (photo)

Dnipro:
There were explosions at our place… Our small “cardboard” monastery has not yet shaken so much… We are alive….

Belgorod, Russia:
All is well at our place. In Voronezh, as far as I know, Andrew is doing well too.

Lviv:
Tonight my acquaintance called and said: the wife of a soldier who died a few hours ago needs help because terrible thoughts are coming to her mind. At home she has two small children, girls 7 and 2 years old. God gave his grace and we talked frankly and prayed for about two and a half hours. She asked for the possibility of waiting the next few days (a week or two) in a convent. I think about preferably some nuns monastery. Maybe some of you have some ideas about this matter, I would appreciate it. Praise the Lord.

May God grant us peace and keep us safe.

Letter from Br. Błażej: Night 235

October 17, 2022

7.40 am in Kyiv. Air raid alarms. Kamikaze drones attacked on the right bank of the capital. Media don’t mention human casualties. These were terrorist attacks on residential houses. Anti-missile systems are working. In our area of the left bank of Kyiv we live in our wartime normal. We are waiting to see what happens next. (photo)

The Word… Here’s the truth about us: “You were dead in your transgressions and sins… But God, who is rich in mercy… brought us to life with Christ, raised us up with him… For by grace you have been saved through faith.” “You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?” This is our reality. God is love!!!

We live in war, we do not live by war.

Belgorod, Russia:
Yesterday, information arrived about explosions at the airport in Belgorod. Not far from the airport is our house. Currently Br. Marek is there. Let’s pray…..

Starokostiantyniv:
Retreat for young people: “On the way to Emmaus”. Brothers Victor and Sergey with youth. (photo)

Kyiv:
At our monastery, another training of chaplains. (photo)

Vinnytsia:
Now there is a danger of a kamikaze drone attack of the city itself.

May God bless us and may He guard and grant us peace.