Bishop Maksym Ryabukha, serving in east-central Ukraine, reports half of his exarchate is occupied by Russian forces. The area is just 18 miles from the front line, with residents living in fear of violence. Bishop Ryabukha describes the world's silence towards the bombing of civilian areas and the killing of people. The war has transformed the bishop's ministry, making him a 'bishop on wheels' constantly visiting parishes.
4 months ago
Bishop Maksym Ryabukha, one of the world's youngest bishops, serves the Exarchate of Donetsk, an area in east-central Ukraine encompassing Donetsk, Luhansk, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia, which has been severely impacted by three years of conflict 1. Half of his exarchate is occupied by Russian forces, with the front line just 18 miles away 1. Civilians live in constant fear, often leaving their homes at night to sleep in the countryside to avoid bombings 1. The bishop expresses a profound sense of helplessness and disappointment that the world remains largely silent regarding the bombing of civilian areas and the loss of life 1.
The ongoing conflict has drastically altered the structure and function of the Greek Catholic Church in the region 1. The number of active parishes in the exarchate has plummeted from over 80 to just 37, with many others closed, occupied, or destroyed 1. Bishop Ryabukha describes himself as a "bishop on wheels," constantly traveling to visit his flock in their homes, as the cathedral is closed 1. In occupied territories, any affiliation with the Catholic Church, whether Greek-Catholic or Latin rite, is forbidden by law, making ministry extremely difficult and leaving these areas without priests 1.
Despite the severe challenges, Bishop Ryabukha emphasizes that the worst aspect is not the bombs themselves, but the feeling of being forgotten and alone 1. However, he notes a strong bond among Christians in occupied territories, who support each other, share hopes, and pray together, even though it is dangerous 1. A significant sign of hope is the continued strong interest in vocations to the priesthood, with 19 men currently in the seminary 1. The bishop also found encouragement and solidarity for Ukraine during his visit to Rome for the Jubilee of Youth, where he met Pope Leo and others 1.
What is the Church's role in conflict zones?
The Catholic Church plays a multifaceted role in conflict zones, focusing on humanitarian aid, peacebuilding, reconciliation, and spiritual support, often drawing on its own experiences of suffering alongside the affected populations .
The Church is deeply committed to providing humanitarian assistance to those affected by conflict. This commitment stems from the understanding that Jesus Christ himself was a refugee, and therefore, the Church is called to help refugees in every age .
Key aspects of the Church's humanitarian role include:
The Church tirelessly works for peace and reconciliation, recognizing that these are indispensable for lasting societal renewal .
Key aspects of the Church's peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts include:
The Church provides spiritual guidance and pastoral care to those affected by conflict, recognizing the deep spiritual wounds that war inflicts .
Key aspects of the Church's spiritual role include:
In essence, the Church's role in conflict zones is an expression of its fundamental mission to manifest God's closeness to every human being, offering both practical assistance and spiritual healing in the pursuit of lasting peace and reconciliation .