Meeting of Superiors of the Province of the Most Holy Savior in Ukraine

On January 21–22, 2026, the superiors of the Province of the Most Holy Savior in Ukraine gathered at the Basilian Fathers’ Monastery in Pidhirtsi for their meeting. The discussions focused on current challenges in monastic and pastoral ministry in the context of today’s social and ecclesial realities. A significant moment of the gathering was the solemn blessing of the newly restored historic monastery, originally built in the 18th century.

The meeting opened with a presentation by the Christian Families Movement, led by its president Roman Prokopiv and his wife Natalia. A personal testimony followed from Taras Tyrko and his wife Halyna, who shared the experience of a family community connected with the Basilian monastery in the city of Sheptytskyi.

The couples highlighted professionally developed formation programs that support married life, parenting, and spiritual growth. They stressed that the presence of a spiritual director is essential for the proper accompaniment of families and for fostering Christian homes rooted in faith, prayer, and service.

The gathering continued with an address by the Provincial Superior, Fr. Yosyf Kralka, OSBM, who expressed gratitude to the superiors for their openness, mutual trust, and faithful service within their communities. Among the key topics discussed was the promotion of the witness of martyrdom of Fr. Yeremiya Lomnytskyi, OSBM, in connection with the ongoing beatification process.

In light of the resolutions of the 2025 Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, special emphasis was placed on implementing a Week of Prayer for Vocations. The superiors were also reminded of the responsibility of consecrated persons to give authentic witness to monastic life, to accompany young people spiritually, and to develop solid formation initiatives.

A separate session focused on the theme “The Catechetical School as the Future of Pastoral Ministry.” Superiors were reminded of their personal responsibility for catechetical schools, the quality of formation programs, and the preservation of trust within church communities. Particular attention was given to ensuring equal and respectful treatment of all children, in order to prevent what has been described as “church bullying.”

During the meeting in Pidhirtsi, the restored historic monastery was solemnly blessed. The celebration was preceded by the Divine Liturgy, presided over by Fr. Yosyf Kralka, OSBM. In his homily, he recalled that the monastery had been closed during the communist period from 1946 to 1990 and restored during the time of full-scale war in Ukraine. This, he said, is a powerful sign of the Church’s ongoing mission to reach humanity even in the most difficult circumstances. He emphasized that, especially in times of war, the monastery is called to be a place of silence, prayer, and encounter with God amid suffering.

A particularly moving moment came with the announcement of a historical discovery made during the restoration work: a plaque bearing the names of the deceased for whose souls the monks once prayed. This discovery became a quiet but profound sign of the continuity of prayer that unites the living and the departed across generations.

Source: osbm.in.ua