In the midst of darkness and despair, faith stands as a beacon of hope for Fr. Roman Ostrovskyy, Vice-Rector of the Greek Catholic seminary in Kyiv. As Ukraine enters its third year of conflict, the sense of downtroddenness is palpable, but for Father Roman, it is his unwavering faith that keeps him going.
Reflecting on the recent proclamation of the upcoming Jubilee Year by Pope Francis, Father Roman finds solace in the message of hope and renewal. As a biblical scholar, he delves into the themes of the Bull “Spes non confundit,” emphasizing the importance of the Christian journey towards encountering the Lord Jesus.
Despite the ongoing war and the prevailing sense of discouragement in Ukraine, Father Roman remains steadfast in his faith. He acknowledges the challenges faced by the people, the fear, the uncertainty, and the despair that threaten to overshadow hope.
Amidst the chaos and suffering, Father Roman finds strength in the power of prayer and the belief that the Lord will not abandon them. He recounts the heartbreaking stories of families forced to lie to protect their children from the harsh realities of war, highlighting the human cost of conflict.
As the war rages on, Father Roman acknowledges the limitations of celebrating the Jubilee Year in Ukraine, where daily life is overshadowed by the threat of bombs and violence. Despite the challenges, he remains hopeful that God’s mercy will reach those most in need, even in the midst of darkness and despair.
While the future may seem uncertain and filled with pessimism, Father Roman’s unwavering faith serves as a source of light in the darkest of times. As he navigates the challenges of war-torn Ukraine, his message of hope and resilience resonates deeply in a world in need of healing and renewal.
