Letters from Br. Błażej: Night 308

December 29, 2022

Yesterday morning quiet. Around noon the first anti-aircraft alarm. Apps on phones confirm the sound of sirens howling outside the windows.
God, give us peace.

Night very restless. In Vinnytsia, the first alarm that woke me up around 1:30 a.m. The next around 6:30 a.m. Now around 9 a.m. there are about 100 rockets over Ukraine. They are flying from different directions. All of Ukraine “red.”
There are alarms in regions where our brothers live. We are in prayer. God, give us peace! Anti-missile systems are working.

The Word… St. John the Apostle is very specific in his word:
“He who claims to live in the light, and hates his brother, so far is he still in darkness. He who loves his brother abides in the light and cannot stumble. But he who hates his brother lives in darkness and acts in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because darkness has touched his eyes with blindness.”
Who is my brother?
Who is my neighbor?
A Russian? Ukrainian? Pole?
Blind or seeing? What does it mean to see, to see Jesus?
The answer in today’s Gospel:
“Now, O Lord, You let Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word. For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared toward all nations: light to enlighten the Gentiles and the glory of Your people Israel.”
Jesus is born, we begin to see Him, meet Him, or better—it is Jesus who reveals Himself to us.
“The Child is born to us, the Son is given to us.”

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

Vinnytsia:
Alert—our monastery basements, unfortunately, again filled up with mothers with children and teachers with children. Lessons were conducted at this time. (photo)

Kyiv:
How good and nice when the brothers live together: they come together for the name day of Br. Sergei, custos, and Br. Adam, Kyiv guardian. (photo)

Kharkiv/Bahmut:
This is Ukraine despite constant shelling, destruction. (photo)

Lviv:
Capuchin friars invite you to “New Year’s Eve Night” from 8:30 pm to 6 am. “Vigil Night with Mary.” Welcome!

News from the brothers:

Dnipro (Br. Yaroslav Fedirchuk):
In Dnipro, a billboard fell down in front of the church. (photo)
(Vandalism or opposition against celebrating Christmas on December 25?)

Kyiv (Br. Sergey Kippa):
From Br. Matteo (Assisi provincial)

Peace and Good! I am glad that the generator has finally arrived in Kiev! certainly use it as you see best based on the needs of your Custody. At the moment I am in Medjugorie, and I pray with all my heart for all the brothers of Ukraine and for you. Queen of Peace, may we receive days of peace! Cordial greetings to all the brothers!” (Photo)

Thanks to the brothers from Vinnitsa for bringing it!!! (photo)

Dnipro (Br. Yaroslav Fedirchuk):
Today we were attacked once again by Iranian drones. But the brave anti-aircraft troops destroy them. The explosions, however, were not quiet…

Jesus is born!