Way of the cross on the streets of Ternopil’

«Beginning a processional way of the cross, let us take the example of suffering, faith and love of Blessed Martyr Fr. Emilian Kowcz as our personal compass. May his martyr's deeds become a source of inspiration in our efforts for the Lord.» With these words on April 5 Most Reverend Bishop Vasyliy (Semenyuk), Eparch of the Ternopil’-Zboriv Eparchy, began a way of the cross on the central streets of Ternopil’. More than 100 priests of the Ternopil'-Zboriv Eparchy, members of monastic orders, students of the Ternopil’ major seminary, representatives of the state, and the faithful took part in the prayerful procession. The participants of the prayerful walk started from the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Most Holy Mother of God. Priests carried relics of Blessed Martyr Fr. Emilian Kowcz. Members of monastic orders, young people, representatives of the state, and workers in culture and medicine carried a cross by turns. At the 14 stations they considered the way of the cross of Jesus Christ: they read the passion Gospels and reflections in verse and sang spiritual songs. The prayer was completed in the area before the cathedral, where the chancellor in matters of the laity, Father Andriy Romankiv, gave a sermon. «To be with the Lord means to follow a road of suffering; to be a Christian is to show daily readiness for charitable love,» Father Andriy noted. Consequently, the notary of the eparchy, Father Vasyl’ Chamarnyk, read a decree according to which Blessed Martyr Fr. Emilian Kowcz was proclaimed the patron of pastors of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church. The faithful had the opportunity to approach the relics and the bishop together with the priests anointed all with blessed oil which had been touched by the relics.

Oleh Kharyshyn,
Press secretary

Translated by the Information Department of the UGCC