(from Kharkiv) “In the international arena, no one seems to really care about people. Everything revolves around business. But where there is business, there is no justice, only self-interest and profit. Hence my great concern. We feel as if we were bargaining chips”, said the bishop of Kharkiv-Zaporizhzhia of the Latins, Msgr. Pavlo Honcharuk. “I once laid a mother to rest in a cemetery, she was holding her baby in her arms. The workers told us that they couldn’t separate them because they had been burnt together. This is the real ‘face’ of war.”
Your Excellency, what is the current situation in Kharkiv?
Kharkiv continues to be bombed and shelled, and the situation is neither stable nor safe. The population is living under extreme stress and in a state of great fear. We are also concerned about the latest news from the international community.
What would you say to the world’s leaders if you had the chance?
The blood of the innocent is crying out for justice. Power is in their hands, but they still have to answer to their own consciences and ultimately to the fate of the people. That’s why, when we pray, we ask that the hearts of the powerful be changed into awe of God, wisdom and courage.
What are the people asking for?
They live in fear of death, and not just a quick death, but a slow death. They are afraid of being destroyed, little by little, one by one.
Under these circumstances, how do you experience Lent?
Lent is a time to open our hearts and listen to His voice. Our hearts cry out to God like a frightened child calling to the Father. May this time of prayer strengthen our hearts and give us the strength we need to overcome difficulties and survive the dark times we are going through today. The true strength of the heart is the love of God, and strong people are those with big hearts.
What do you hope for?
We place our hope in God. We hope that we will achieve true peace. A peace that is free because it is not afraid. Fear is what stops us from doing the good we want to see done. Fear is the obstacle in our path to do what is right. It is fear that prevents us from reaching out to others and from showing them mercy. Here in Ukraine, we are already seeing the first signs of this peace.
