“I appeal to all of you to pay special attention to the needs of people during Great Lent,” His Beatitude Sviatoslav

“I urge all of you during Great Lent to accord special attention to the needs of people in our country, where there is an abyss between the wealthy and the poor, where the cost of a supper for two in a prestigious restaurant equals the monthly budget of a family of retirees, and a luxurious automobile – the value of an apartment for several homeless.  Charity is an indispensible attribute of real lent,” writes in his Pastoral letter for Great Lent, His Beatitude Sviatoslav (Shevchuk), UGCC Head, noting that all Christians, no matter what their wealth is, are called upon to be charitable – in deeds and donations.

He is convinced that wealthy people in poor countries have a special responsibility and a unique opportunity through a small donation to do a big deed, to help someone change their life.  “It is worthwhile to remember that charity is not only a monetary donation; it is also the willingness to devote to others our time, our attention and to share our knowledge with others.  In such a way we get closer to the Creator Himself,” writes his Beatitude Sviatoslav. The Church teaches that wealth is a gift from God, which is a means of serving and it can become the tool on the road to salvation – if it is not a goal but a means.  Wealth has value only when it helps its owner grow spiritually.  However, having wealth also holds a danger, as does any decision of a person.

UGCC Primate believes that material goods are relative and secondary; yet, to be saved one does not necessarily have to be poor:  “Someone may think that God condemns wealth and praises poverty.  In order to be saved, the poor need God just as much as the rich do.  Perhaps they are only less willing to depend on their material well-being in reaching their happiness.”  According to UGCC Major Archbishop, worldly goods are a call to responsibility for others:  “Wealth demands responsibility in rightly administering it for the good of others, in order to serve them, to share treasures which were given by the Lord God.”

UGCC Department of Information