Month: August 2021

March 16, 2023

War night and day. Uncertainty, fear.
God, give us a just peace.
Alarms in all of Ukraine this morning.

The Word… And once again, as befits patient love, God’s love call: “Hearing the voice of the Lord, harden not your hearts.”
The prophet Isaiah exhorts: “Hear my voice, and I will be to you a God, and you shall be to me a nation.”
And the Prophet continues: “They have made their necks hard, they have become worse than their ancestors. You will declare to them all these words, but they will not listen to you; you will cry out to them, but they will not give you an answer. And you will say to them, ‘This is the nation that has not heeded the voice of the Lord their God, and has not accepted instruction.’ Gone is the faithfulness, gone from their lips.”
Therefore, my short prayer: Lord, convert us, and we will convert to you.

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

Krzysztof Koza, volunteer (angel), who from the first days of the war was with Ukraine, with Ukrainians, was with people in need, was with us Capuchins. Below are excerpts from a letter addressed in the spirit of gratitude to various people and to us Capuchins as well:

The year that changed the world.
He does not want to write about the war, it is in the attached photos, my stories and reports. On the Internet, television, and unfortunately in the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.
Photos all taken with my phone, I have many more that are not suitable for publication.

Today I thought of something else – in this unimaginable suffering experienced by tens of thousands of people formed interpersonal friendships, relationships and bonds that continue uninterrupted and all the time with the same strength.
It is amazing, and to this day unimaginable to me, how quickly someone who is a complete stranger can suddenly become someone incredibly close to us…”
(…) In one sentence – Capuchin brothers. If it weren’t for you … Brother Joseph. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have been able to make it. Thank you for every blessing before continuing on the road. Brother Jarek, your support, trust and support I feel to this day. Brother Sergei and Brother Mark thank you for your hospitality…. many times you allowed me to rest in Kiev and Dnipro before continuing on the road. Brother Lonk and Adam – thank you, for your hospitality, understanding and taste of Poltava bream. (photo)

Dnipro:
More rocket raids in Dnipro region. (photo)

Donbas:
Our angels, Marcin Izyk and his team, after having left the Capuchins in Kyiv, have already arrived in Donbas. They donated various gifts of the heart and a Ford car, for the needs of the army. (photo)

Jesus lives!

March 15, 2023

Yesterday around noon all Ukraine was “red,” alarms on the territory of all Ukraine. Alarms in Kyiv.
Today war morning just like yesterday. All Ukraine red. Alarms all over the territory. Another alarm in Kyiv.
God, give us a just peace.

The Word… Another and not the last time God through Moses calls us to listen… “And now, O Israel, obey the laws and commandments which I teach you to obey, that you may live and come to possess the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, gives you.”
Obey so that, with God’s help, you will end the first war that is going on in your mind. Obey God, not yourself. “For which great nation has gods as close as the Lord our God, whenever we call upon Him?” The God who is love, the God who is near. Listen… “Your words, Lord, are spirit and life. You have the words of eternal life.”

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

Kyiv:
Our angels, benefactors write from Kyiv.

Greetings from Kyiv. We are going to Donbas. (photo)

Odessa:
6-year-old Sasha Pascal from Odessa is returning to gymnastics training. The girl lost her leg as a result of last year’s rocket attack on Odessa. Sasha received a high-tech bionic prosthesis and re-learned how to walk. After four months of classes, the girl was able to return to gymnastics, which she had been practicing since she was 3 years old. Sasha was injured as a result of Russian shelling of the Bay resort town of Odessa. It happened on July 26, 2022. (photo)

News from the brothers:

Dnipro, Ukraine/Kielce, Poland (Br. Jerzy Zielinski):
I concelebrated the Eucharist today with Br. Prof. Zdzislaw Kijas at our brothers’ in Kielce, where he is preaching a retreat. I convey from him greetings to brothers Loni Michalec and Kostia. P.S. Years ago, he was the promoter of their master’s theses. (photo)

Lviv (Bro. Zbigniew Sawchuk):
Retreat at the Greek Catholic parish in Chortkiv. Visiting our friend, Father Gregory. (photo)

Uzhgorod (Br. Marek Lisowski):
Yesterday we invited children with their parents to the movies. There were 11 participants, all from the east of Ukraine—migrants. We thank our benefactors for the opportunity to help those suffering from the war. (photo)

Jesus lives!

March 14, 2023

Air raid alerts yesterday before lunch. This morning similar.
God, give us a just peace.

The Word… Let us pray together: “But now we follow You with all our hearts, we feel the fear of You and seek Your face. Do not put us to shame, but deal with us according to Your meekness and according to Your great mercy. Deliver us by Your wonders and make Your name famous, O Lord!”
The prophet repeats: “Repent to your God, For He is gracious and merciful.”

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

Sisters Ludmila, Maria and Tetyana, Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit: “Mother of the Mother of God.”

Kostyantynivka:
More war victims in the Donetsk region. (photo)

Volunteers:
Once again our angels and benefactors, Marcin Izyk and his team, are back in Ukraine. (photo)
Let’s pray for our Benefactors.

Khmelnitskyi:
Secular Franciscan Order. There was a meeting of the Khmelnitskyi Region in the village of Manykivtsi with the Assistant Brother Anton Podgorny on March 11. (photo)

Bryukhovychi, near Lviv:
Another session of the School of Mary has ended. (photo)

Jesus lives!

March 13, 2023

Yesterday was a truer Sunday. A day of rest from alarms, rockets. We remember the war on the front, where every day, every night, people die.
God, give us a just peace.
Monday morning, there were alarms in some regions of Ukraine, including Kyiv.

The Word… The obstacle to hearing the Word of God is my head, my imagination, my plans, my “I know.” Naaman would not have been healed because he knew, “he thought to himself…”
“After all, I thought to myself, He will surely go out, stand, then call upon the name of the Lord his God, move his hand over the place of the sick and take away the leprosy.”
In the end, he obeyed, obeyed and immersed himself 7 times in the Jordan. He was healed, but most importantly, he came to know, to experience that, “Behold, I have found that in all the earth there is no God except Israel!”
God is love!

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

Kyiv:
Fr. Pio’s House. Another meeting of art therapy. (photo)

News from the brothers:

Kyiv (Br. Adam Wróbel):
Catechesis for children after Sunday Eucharist in Kyiv. (photo)

Krasyliv (Br. Maciej Styburski):
A retreat for married couples, fiancées, engaged couples and those planning to enter into the sacrament of marriage concluded today in Krasyliv at the Fr. Pio Retreat House. (photo)

Lviv (Br. Zbigniew Sawchuk):
Leaders of Worship and Night of Vigil in the cathedral and after worship a film. (photo)

Jesus lives!

March 12, 2023

The Word… Today’s Word, as in Lent, is abundant. The Gospel, is almost the entire fourth chapter of the Gospel of St. John, and in it is such a Word…
“Oh, if you knew the gift of God and knew who the One is who tells you: “Give Me a drink,” then you would ask Him, and He would give you living water.”
God, give me love so that I no longer thirst and seek love where there is none.
God is love!!!

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

Worcester, MA, USA:
Polish school. Children have been praying for us and our children since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. Sister Beata with gratitude from our little Benefactors.

Horodok:
Chaplaincy school. Practical classes in military medicine. (photo)

Kyiv:
Art therapy at Fr. Pio House. (photo)

News from the brothers:

Kyiv/Zhytomyr (Br. Victor Deszuk):
Peace and good.
The SFO Council of the Northern Region organized a day of recollection for the region’s Secular Franciscans. Fifty-two brothers and sisters participated. Former national assistant Br. Vladimir from the Capuchins and Fr. Dobroslaw from the Friars Minor.

Uzhgorod (Br. Marek Lisowski):
Teaching chess for children, new edition. Classes will be held twice a week. Children from Uzhgorod, as well as from families who had to flee from the east of Ukraine, are taking part in the classes. (photo)

Lviv (Br. Kazimierz Guzik):
Night of Vigil in Lviv. (photo)

Ukraine/America (Br. Blazej Suska):
I have started a retreat at a Polish parish in Worcester, MA. Please pray to God through the intercession of Fr. Pio, for me, Sr. Beata, a Nazareth nun, and the listeners. (photo)

Jesus lives!

March 11, 2023

More alarms and uncertainty after lunchtime; anxiety about where and when the next rocket will fall. In Bakhmut and other places of fighting.
God, give us a just peace.

The morning was peaceful, at least for our war standards. Kherson was shelled, there are civilian casualties. In other areas of Ukraine “war calm.”

The Word… “At that time all tax collectors and sinners drew near to Jesus to listen to Him.”
Why was it the sinners who wanted to listen to Jesus, who wanted to listen to the Word? Others had no such need… Maybe because only Jesus doesn’t judge them, doesn’t reject them it means only Jesus loves them.
God loves you, listen to him…

We live in a war, we don’t live by war.

Zolochiv, near Lviv:
On the night of March 8-9, more innocent people were killed as a result of Russian rocket fire in the area. (photo)

God, give us a just peace!

Bakhmut:
Field hospital. (photo)
God, protect our defenders and give health to the sick and wounded.

Kyiv:
Brother Constantine’s name day is today. Kostya, may God guard and protect you. He will fill you with His peace.

Vinnytsia:
Young mothers wait for children at catechesis and… listen to the Word of God while sharing it. (photo)

Krasyliv/Slobidka-Krasylivs’ka:
Brave women support the defenders of Ukraine with what they know best for this time. Fresh dumplings are going to the front. (photo)

Kyiv:
During the funeral of the Hero of Ukraine, “Da Vinci,” General Zaluzhny, kneels before the mother and wife of the Hero who fell in the war. (photo)

Jesus lives!

March 10, 2023

That previous night, where more than 80 rockets fell, was terrible. Russian terrorism will be filled with revelations. In the last day Russian terrorism fired 95 rockets of various types. In the morning, an anti-aircraft alert across Ukraine.

The Word… This story about Joseph of Egypt was read to me by my mother as a child. I didn’t hear much, I understood, but I remember. God brings good out of this tragic story between brothers. War. From this tragic war, only God can bring out good for us. Only God…
“God so loved the world, That He gave His only begotten Son; everyone who believes in Him has eternal life.”
Life eternal… that’s why seeing so much human tragedy, so much innocent death, we can boldly proclaim that a Christian does not die… “Герої не вмирають.”

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

Map:
Yesterday’s rocket raid. (photo)

Vinnytsia:
Today (yesterday), during another alert, in the basement of the monastery, Clara Studio, the children of the 4th grade had lessons in the geography of Ukraine. The topic: Crimea—it’s Ukraine. (photo)
In another basement/shelter room were children from another school and neighboring buildings.
And in yet another room of the monastery basement, representatives of the Vinnytsisa local cultural center continued the celebration of Shevchenko Day. Those present had the opportunity—during the alarms—while staying in the basement, to listen to Kobzar’s songs and poetry. (photo)

Lviv:
A word from Archbishop Mieczyslaw Mokrzycki.

Kharkiv (from Ms. Tania P.):

The light has been gone 14 hours.
The Lord is my light and salvation, who should I fear ?

America:
More manifestations, solidarity and sympathy with the struggling Ukraine. (photo)

Bachmut on fire. (photo)

Kyiv:
Tomorrow, March 11, 2023, is his name day:
Brother Konstantin Morozov—Kyiv, our secretary and bursar of the Custody.

Vinnytsia:
Brothers with the Secular Franciscan Order pray for peace with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. (photo)

News from the brothers:

Starokostiantyniv, Ukraine/Krakow, Poland (Br. Stanislaw Manski):

Lviv (Br. Kazimierz Guzik):
Pax! Our Br. Zbyszek conducts pastoral care in hospitals. He preaches Jesus, prays for the sick, displays movies talks. Praise the Lord for the gift of the Good News that our wounded defenders so need, which reaches them through Zbyszek’s ministry.
Community Stations of the Cross on Wednesdays. (photo)

America:
People of goodwill who have already assisted us, open to further help.
Meeting with Ms. Tania, a journalist for the diocesan newspaper. (photo)

Uzhgorod (Br. Marek Lisowski):
We are adapting a room that serves, among other things, as a shelter for kindergarten children. We want to make it brighter and child-friendly. (photo)

Dnipro (Br. Yaroslav Fedirchuk):
Today in Dnipro was handed over a generator, medical health care. From Yaroslav for Yaroslav. (photo)
Nota bene, his brother lost due to the war, arms and legs.

Jesus lives!

March 9, 2023

Yesterday morning warlike, but calm. In the late afternoon there were alarms in the south of Ukraine. Evening, at about 8 pm all Ukraine red, alarms, rockets explosions.
At night, at about 2 o’clock, all Ukraine in alarms.

The Word… Attention! The Word warns us: “Cursed is the man who puts his hope in man, and who sees his strength in the flesh, and turns his heart away from the Lord.”
“The heart is more treacherous than all else and incorrigible – who will fathom it? I, the Lord, examine the heart and test the kidneys, that I may render to each according to his conduct, according to the fruit of his deeds.”
I invite you to listen to Ps 1.
Therefore, once again. Note: “If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, then even if someone rose from the dead, they will not believe.”
Listen to God to live and be happy.”

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

Kharkiv (from Mrs. Tetiana):

4am…. All of Ukraine under fire.
What this means is that the enemy has been preparing this for a long time.
Today, March 9, the birthday of Taras Shevchenko.
Kharkiv. Explosions, explosions.
They write about 13… and another news, rockets fly again.
The light is gone. And in some places they were glad that the second evening already started to turn on the street lights in the evening.
Wait that Russia will just stop one day—illusion.
“Fight—you will win.” T. Shevchenko. (photo)

Ukraine (from President V. Zelenskyy):

It’s been a difficult night. A massive rocket attack across the country. Kyiv, Kirovohrad, Dnipro, Odesa, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Zhytomyr, Vinnytsia regions. Attacks on critical infrastructure and residential buildings.
Unfortunately, there are injured and dead. My condolences to the families.

All services are working. The energy system is being restored. Restrictions were imposed in all regions.

The enemy fired 81 missiles in an attempt to intimidate Ukrainians again, returning to their miserable tactics. The occupiers can only terrorize civilians. That’s all they can do. But it won’t help them. They won’t avoid responsibility for everything they have done.

We thank the guardians of our skies and everyone who helps to overcome the consequences of the occupiers’ sneaking attacks!

War:
Photos of destruction last night from Kyiv and Lviv. (photo)

Map:
Places where rockets, missiles hit. All of Ukraine. (photo)

News from the brothers:

Kamianske (Br. Vladislav Gmyrko), Dnipro (Br. Vadym Shtogrin):
Another meeting of the school of chaplains. Tactical medicine classes are conducted by Kasyliv parishioner Roman Zamriy. (photo)

JESUS LIVES!

March 8, 2023

A calmer night, but only in our areas. Bakhmut and defenders of our independence in our hearts and prayers. Yesterday in the evening alarms in the Dnipropetrovsk region.
The morning of the war. Peaceful, but uncertain.

March 8. There is always an opportunity to pray for women. We especially commend to God’s mercy, women, grandmothers, mothers, wives, sisters who have suffered in this war. God is love. (photo)

The Word… We are at war, living in war, trepidation all around, but thanks to God and God’s Word, we don’t have to live by war and the spirit of war….
Let us pray this Word Ps 31:
“For I heard many whispering: ‘There is terror all around!’
Against me they gather, intending to take my life.
But I put my trust in You, O Lord, and say, ‘You are my God.’
In Your hand are my destinies, deliver me from the hands of my enemies and persecutors.”
Prophet Isaiah:
“Hear me, O Lord, and listen to the voice of my adversaries! Is evil paid for good? And they have dug a pit for me. Remember how I stood before You to intercede on their behalf, to turn away Your wrath from them.”
The Word of the Lord… “You know that the rulers of the nations oppress them, and the great ones make their power felt. It shall not be so with you. But whoever would become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever would be first among you, let him be your slave, like the Son of Man, who came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Lord, convert us, and we will convert to you…

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

Kharkiv (from Mrs. Tania P.):

Peace. Today I was in my hometown of Saltivka (Kharkiv district). Kiryl was escorted on his last journey. There were a lot of his friends from the war.
I passed by the family Metro station… tragedy… (photo)

America (info from America on Ukrainian tv stations):
Ukraine is preparing for a counteroffensive. (photo)

Kharkiv:
Not living by war. First since the beginning of the war, lighting of important objects, signs in the city. (photo)

News from the brothers:

Lviv (Br. Sergey Voronyuk):
Celebrating the name day of brother Casimir. (photo)

Jesus lives!

March 7, 2023

Yesterday from the morning alarms. The previous night in the eastern areas of Ukraine was endless rocket raids. Scorched earth syndrome performed by Russian terrorists.
This morning, Ukraine all red, that is, alarms throughout its territory.

The Word… “Listen to the word of the Lord…” Another encouragement for the Lenten season.
The fruits of your listening to the Word…? “Though your sins be as scarlet, like snow they will whiten; though they be red like crimson, they will become white like wool.”
Condition one—just obey. “If you are submissive and obedient, earthly goods you will enjoy.”
But beware: “But if you slink in resistance, the sword will exterminate you. For the mouth of the Lord has pronounced it.”
God is love, hence the encouragement of Listen to God’s Word.

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

America/Ukraine/Poland:
A few hours ago, after a ten-hour flight, I arrived with Sr. Beata, a Nazarene in Worcester, America. Here and in another parish we will have a Lenten retreat.
Visible signs of solidarity with Ukraine plunged into war. (photo)
Let us pray for our Brothers and Benefactors.

News from the brothers:

Lviv (Br. Kazimierz Guzik):
Zbyszek (Sawczuk) from Andrzej (Lysokon), our benefactor from Wroclaw, shuttle this cool car further east for our defenders. (photo)

Lviv (Br. Sergiej Woroniuk):
On Saturday, a day of recollection and an organizational meeting of the Provisional National Council of Franciscan Youth was held at our Capuchin house in Lviv. We listened to the word of God and each other, prayed, and planned the spring and summer retreats. (photo)

Jesus lives!

March 6, 2023

Yesterday, apart from the front, a quiet day. Alarms from the south in eastern Ukraine. Yesterday afternoon quiet. In the east, war.
Alarms since morning across Ukraine.

The Word… “Your words, Lord, are spirit and life. You have the words of eternal life.”
Let us pray from the heart with this prayer:

O Lord, my God, great and terrible, who keep faithfully the covenant of those who love Thee and keep Thy commandments.
We have sinned, gone astray, committed iniquity and rebelled, deviated from Your commandments. We have disobeyed Your servants, the prophets who spoke in Your name to our kings, to our leaders, to our ancestors and to the entire population of the country.
With You, O Lord, righteousness, and with us shame on our faces, as it is with us today – with the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem, and all Israel, with those near and far, in all countries, where You have driven them because of the unfaithfulness they have shown to You.
Lord! Shame on our faces, our kings, our leaders and our fathers, for we have sinned against You. But the Lord our God is merciful and shows mercy, even though we rebelled against Him and did not listen to the voice of the Lord our God to follow the instructions He gave us through His servants, the prophets.

This is the Word of God.

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

Kyiv:
Eucharist with the participation of children. Charismatic brother Victor Deshuk. (photo)

Krasyliv:
Freely you have received, freely give. Capuchin Sisters with their brothers continue to assist the needy. (photo)

Kyiv:
Fr. Pio’s House at the Capuchins’. Art Therapy in art classes. Art therapy through music. (photo)

Vinnytsia:
Clara Studio. Yesterday was world children’s media day. (photo)
Greetings to our Clara Studio staff and its founder Brother Justin.

Cemeteries of Ukrainian soldiers. (photo)

Vinnytsia/Bahmut:
Jana Rychlicka, a volunteer, who was called the “Angel of the fighters” died near Bahmut, while evacuating wounded soldiers. (photo)
Герої не вмирають. Heroes do not die. May they rest in eternal peace.

News from the brothers:

Uzhgorod (Br. Roman Pop):
A song and its importance in the war.

Lviv (Br. Zbyszek Sawczuk):
A group of young people in our Capuchin house. (photo)

Jesus lives!

February 5, 2023

Yesterday since lunch, the reality of war. Alarms, rockets, drones, innocent people die. God, give us a just peace!

The Word… “Go forth from your native land and from your father’s house to the land that I will show you”.
What does this mean for you…?
Come out, forsake what you have heard, what you have become by what you have heard in your family home: repent means accept this new Word…
… the Father’s voice: “This is my beloved Son, listen to Him.”
This is conversion to the Father. Hear the voice of the Father, you are my son, and listen to the Son, this is the beginning of conversion, the source of Christianity.
God the Father is love, the Father loves you. You are loved by the Father.
Convert to the Father.

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

Vinnytsia:
War by war, alarms by alarms, and mother and daughter go to the Capuchins for catechesis. (photo)

Russia:
“‘Woman who made donation to Ukrainian army detained for treason.’
A Russian woman who made a donation to help the Ukrainian army has been detained and is suspected of treason; this is the first known case where aid to Ukraine results in a criminal case of treason, the independent Meduza portal reported on Saturday.” (after The Sunday Visitor)

Kyiv:
First Saturday of the month. A meeting of the Knights of John Paul II. (photo)

Bahmut:
March 2, 2023—Young heroes pray before the battle. (photo)

Dnipro Region:
Two civilians were killed in this house after a rocket raid yesterday. (photo)

Let us pray:
A request from a young wife, a mother with two children. She is waiting for her husband:

Brother please for Sergei, that he and the boys who stayed with him, with him come home alive. Thank you.

Krakow, Poland:
Hospitality point at the train station. (photo)

News from the brothers:

Vinnytsia (Br. Igor Mularski):
Mass before the election of the regional council of the Vinnytsia region of the Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) Spiritual Assistants. Meeting of delegates from the SFO communities of the Vinnytsia region, for the election of the new council. (photo)

Krasyliv (Br. Maciej Styburski):
An ecumenical prayer for peace was held yesterday in Krasyliv. This is the 20th year that this valuable initiative has been going on (with a break for the pandemic). After the prayer, refreshments were served in our parish cafe. (photo)

Lviv (Br. Zbigniew Sawchuk):
Wishes from Lviv to Staryi Ostropil’: The Holy Spirit and His power for Kazimir. (photo)

Kyiv (Br. Adam Wróbel):
Kyiv joins in greetings to Br. Kazimierz. God’s blessings. Protection of the Mother of God!

Jesus lives!

March 4, 2023

Yesterday, afternoon alarms. Towards evening, in various circuits alarms. This morning quiet. On the front, in Bahmut regular fierce war.
God, grant us peace!

The Word… The way of the Christian is to abide in the love of God.
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love! If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. This I have said to you, that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be full.”
Christian joy is possible, even in times of war.
Abide in God’s love. God is love !

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

In Poland and in a special way for our Brother Casimir Guzik, it is the Feast of St. Casimir, the Prince. St. Casimir, is the patron saint of our Casimir, now living in our community in Lviv. Brother Kaziu, may God guard and bless you and show you His true face, true love. God is love! 100 years. Best wishes.

Zaporizhzhya:
The bodies of 10 people, including one child, were recovered from under the rubble. 11 people were rescued. (photo)

Nikopol (Zaporizhzhya region):
Ruined houses after overnight rocket raids. (photo)

News from the brothers:

Kyiv (Bro. Sergey Kippa):
On the occasion of your name day, happy birthday to our Casimir! Thank God for you! All the graces!

Kamianske (Br. Volodymyr Procko):
Wishes. St. Casimir of Kamyanske. (photo)

Jesus lives!

March 2, 2023

A day full of alarms yesterday in Kyiv and Kyiv region. Central Ukraine red. Russia’s terrorist attacks intensified. There were more than 170 drone, missile attacks on Ukrainian territory in 24 hours. The following morning was calmer.

The Word… “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to the knocker they will open. When any of you sons asks for bread, is there one who will give him a stone? Or when he asks for a fish, will he give him a snake? If you then, though evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him. All things, therefore, what you would have men do to you, do ye also to them. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.”

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

Poland:
On the way from Wroclaw to Walcz. Nice and unequivocal signs of solidarity between Poles and Ukrainians. “We are with you.” (photo)

Jerusalem, Israel:
Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher. (photo)

Zaporizhzhya:
Powerful destruction in the eastern city of Zaporizhzhya. (photo)

Krasyliv:
Picture made by a child. Author unknown. (photo)

News from the brothers:

Kyiv (Br. Sergey Kippa):
Let’s reminisce about yesterday.

Starokostiantyniv (Br. Sergey Gubitsky):
Today we were visited by benefactors. God bless. (photo)
Brothers from Mogilno (Capuchins of the Warsaw Province) Jan and Heniu once again brought aid to Ukraine.

Krasyliv (Br. Leonid Kushniruk):
The first, historic such meeting between President Zelenski and representatives of the chaplains right in an Orthodox Church.

Jesus lives!

March 1, 2023

Yesterday morning was quiet, in the afternoon there were more alerts in Kyiv and central Ukraine. In the Donetsk region, regular war.
Yesterday late evening, alarms and kamikaze drones in Poltava and Kyiv regions.

Today began quietly in our regions. East in constant battle. God, grant us peace.

The Word… “Repent to your God, for He is gracious and merciful.”

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

Kharkiv:
The fired ambulance shown in yesterday’s letter was from Kharkiv. (photo)

Boryspil:
Beginning of therapy for women, biblical program “Overcome evil.” The leader is our parishioner Ms. Lina and SVD sisters. (photo)

Krasyliv:
Capuchin Sisters continue to help those in need. (photo)

Wroclaw, Poland:
Deo gratias! Last night, with Br. Paul Teperski and the help of God and good people, we completed the Parish Missions in our Capuchin St. Augustine Parish. I would like to thank the Capuchin friars, the Felician sisters, the lay co-workers for their help in carrying out the Missions.
Thank you to the patient listeners of the Word of God. Let us pray for our Brothers and Benefactors. May God reward you. Deo gratias!

Kharkiv:
First day of spring.

News from the brothers:

Dnipro (Br. Yaroslav Fedirchuk):
Jakub Osipow, from Poland, conducts medical training for our Dnipro parishioners.

Kyiv (Br. Sergey Kippa):
Brothers from Mogilno (Capuchins of the Warsaw Province), Jan and Heniu, once again brought aid to Ukraine. Thanks to the benefactors! Also Jan’s parish priest friend, who funded the generator. (photo)

Jesus lives!