Latest news with #Shevchuk
CBC
04-03-2025
- Politics
- CBC
'We have survived each attempt of annihilation, and we live to witness the true Gospel': Ukrainian Archbishop
Last week marked the end of the third year of Russia's war in Ukraine. It also saw two prominent Ukrainian figures fly from Kyiv to North America. One was President Zelensky, who was berated by Donald Trump and JD Vance, in a shocking realignment of American foreign relations. The other was Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, the head of Ukraine's five million Catholics, who was welcomed warmly at the Isabel Bader Theatre at the University of Toronto. Archbishop Shevchuk grew up practising his faith secretly as it was outlawed under the USSR. He spent Christmas 2024, celebrating Mass in a bunker, amid missile alarms. In February of this year, Archbishop Shevchuk delivered a public lecture hosted by Sheptytsky Institute of Eastern Christian Studies entitled simply: War, Peace and Truth. In it he makes an impassioned case for seeing Russia's invasion of Ukraine through a faith tradition, and invites the listener to engage in a kind of spiritual resistance against Russia's incursion. That resistance would include rejecting the concept of Russkiy Mir, a vague term which literally means "Russian world," but amounts to a Russian ideology that would obliterate Ukraine's identity, in part by claiming that Ukraine was always Russian. Here are excerpts from Archbishop Shevchuk's talk. Gratitude "In the great Canadian tradition of welcoming those who have suffered at the hands of violence and evil, Canada has received nearly 300,000 displaced Ukrainians since the beginning of Russia's full scale war against Ukraine. "I know that [the] USA received a little bit more: 350,000. Your hospitality is and has been outstanding. Your unity as a nation indicates a resolve to welcome the stranger, and to stand against tyranny and international aggression. Your support contributes to achieving a just peace for Ukraine. For the goodwill and hope that Canada has shared with us today. This evening, I express the profound gratitude of all Ukrainians. Thank you very much for being with us." We are paying the highest price for freedom. But there is no other choice in the face of evil. - Ukrainian Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk Resistance "Ukrainians have a legitimate need to uphold a basic moral principle. The defence of one's honour and good name. "In the Bible, to name means to acknowledge God-given dignity. A name recognizes personhood. To name is to bless. To name is also to bestow a power. When God reveals his name to Moses in the burning bush, he shares with Moses the power that liberates captives. In the New Testament, God takes the name Jesus. Saviour. God saves for the sake of true peace — to tear down the wall of enmity between God and man and between the warring factions in the world." 'Russkiy Mir' "Russian authorities propagandize the existence of so-called Russkiy Mir, or 'the Russian World.' And as you know, in Russian "world" and "mir" very often has [sic] a meaning of peace. Mir could be translated as 'world' or 'peace.' What kind of peace? That world of Russian propaganda and slavery can give us a future. "Russia's prolonged aggression into Ukraine aims not simply to conquer territory, but to rewrite history and to instrumentalize [Russian Orthodox] religion as a service of this ideology… To assert the myth of Russkiy Mir requires the eradication of Ukraine… To build its empire, Russia must annihilate the name of Ukraine." Ukrainian Children "The war and occupation, [the] abduction of the tens of thousands of Ukrainian children and their brainwashing to hate Ukraine is a constituent element of Russia's Orwellian social policy. Colonialism, now imperialism that resorts to genocidal tragedies, is exactly what today's 'Russian World' [Russkiy Mir] is all about… "Ukrainians will never return to a colonial status. Never again. Ukrainians will never submit to genocidal policies. Our people will not surrender their culture, religious and social liberty. Ukrainians will never sacrifice their children." Keeping faith "If Russia succeeds in occupying Ukraine, our church will be liquidated again. And that is already happening in the occupied territories. In the past three centuries, each time Russia has occupied lands inhabited by Eastern Catholics, they have been forced to convert to Russian Orthodoxy, were driven into exile or sent to perish in a gulag. "We have survived each attempt of annihilation, and we live to witness the truth of the Gospel. And I am here today as a survivor. In Ukraine… we learn that freedom is never [to be taken] for granted, and right now we are paying the highest price for freedom. But there is no other choice in the face of evil. "We must continue to speak this truth, defend the sanctity of human life and the honour of our name, of our very identity. We know that great risk is involved, but we maintain our resolve. Trusting in the Lord's promise: you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Download the IDEAS podcast to listen to this episode. *Excerpts edited for clarity and length. This episode was produced by Seán Foley and Greg Kelly. Watch | War, Peace and Truth: An Evening with Sviatoslav Shevchuk and Timothy Snyder
CBC
02-03-2025
- Politics
- CBC
'Renewed sense of strength' among Ukrainian community after visit of archbishop to Winnipeg
Social Sharing With a message of strength and unity, the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church renewed a sense of hope at a church service in Winnipeg, an uplifting moment for parishioners amid Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine and Friday's heated clash in Washington. Sviatoslav Shevchuk, the major archbishop of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, held an hours-long service at the Sts. Volodymyr and Olha Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in the city's North End. Hundreds of parishioners filled the temple Sunday morning, bringing attendance numbers that are often only seen during Christmas and Easter, said Eugene Waskw, a trustee of the church. "What the patriarch brought to us today was a sense of the strength of the Ukrainian people throughout the world," he said. Shevchuk's visit carried a message of renewed strength, faith and unity in the face of Ukraine's war with Russia, Waskw said. The sermon, a call to stay strong and pray for the future of the country, Waskw said, hit the right set of notes against a backdrop of escalating tensions between Washington and Kyiv after heated clashes between the leaders of both countries at the Oval Office Friday. But it was also an important reminder that Ukraine is not alone. "The message from the patriarch helped," Waskw said. "We will be here. Ukraine is not dead, and it's not dying." Auxiliary bishop Andriy Rabiy said Shevchuk's visit, his first to Winnipeg since 2012, was a significant event for the congregation and an opportunity for parishioners to get a word of hope in the midst of a war now dragging into its fourth year. "It is a huge uplifting moment for all of us here in Winnipeg," he said. "He had a word for everyone." Shevchuk offered individual blessings to those inside the temple, a "huge thing," said Rabiy, who thinks many of those who received it will cherish it today for years to come. "He is a very recognizable figure in Ukraine, [a] moral authority, [a] religious authority," Rabiy said. Shevchuk came to Canada for a synod of bishops in Ontario but decided to make a stop in Winnipeg due to the larger number of Ukrainians living in Manitoba, and to commemorate the 125th birthday of the Sts. Volodymyr and Olha Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral coming this upcoming spring, Waskw said. Lynn Nykoluk, a parishioner at the church, said Shevchuk drew in a crowd size she hadn't seen before, even during Christmas, and created an opportunity for the Ukrainian community to ground in prayers.
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
They welcomed Canada's open arms. Now Ukrainians worry about future as Russian invasion's 3rd-year mark nears
Nearly three years since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, some Ukrainians in southwestern Ontario say they're feeling uneasy about the future and whether they'll be able to remain in Canada as the war continues. Close to 300,000 Ukrainians arrived in Canada after Feb. 24, 2022. Ottawa offered them temporary resident status through the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program, until March 31. In January, Immigration Minister Marc Miller said Ukrainians must apply for an open work or study permit extension to stay in Canada as temporary residents. Although Miller has said he wouldn't force Ukrainians to return to a war zone after their visas expire, Alla Shevchuk, a Ukrainian now living in Stratroy, Ont., said community members remain worried. "Of course we're very stressed about it because we don't know what will happen the next day, next month or next year," Shevchuk said. Alla Shevchuk moved from Ukraine to Strathroy through the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel program. It concludes at the end of March, but Shevchuk successfully applied for a work permit extension until 2027. (Submitted by Alla Shevchuk) Shevchuk, who settled in Canada in 2022 before opening a pierogi business, applied for an open work permit extension in early 2024 when the Canadian government offered them without any fees. After four months of waiting, she was granted an extension until 2027. Olena Riznyk said the deadline to apply for a work permit extension crept up on her. While she can stay in Canada until 2027, she's already thinking about the future. "Time just flies," said Riznyk, who also lives in Strathroy. "I have two more years, but it makes me a little bit worried and unstable because it goes so fast and we need to think about our permanent residence or what to do next." Counsellor suggests applying now for new work permits Some Ukrainians are trying to extend their temporary stays as long as possible, said a settlement counsellor at the Cross Cultural Learner Centre in London, Ont.. "Many people are trying to do it at the end of March so their new work permits will be longer because the new end date will be [3 years from] the day when the decision is made by the officer," said Galyna Volkova, who specifically works with Ukrainian newcomers. Olena Riznyk and her family, daughter Polina and husband Viacheslav, settled in Canada in May 2022 after leaving Ukraine. (Submitted by Olena Riznyk) She said she has been helping at least four people a day with their open work permit extension applications, a number that's more than usual as people aim for extensions through March 2028. "I think it's a mistake," she said. "They should do it now." Volkova said Ukrainians who don't successfully submit extension applications by March 31 will need to go through regular work permit channels, a more complicated process, to stay in Canada. She said most people who apply for an open work permit extension are approved so long as they pay $255 in fees and meet all the requirements. "There's no worries because it will be extended ... but you know what they're nervous about after this? After three years, it will expire," Volkova said. "Then what will be next?" Volkova said she doesn't expect Ukrainians will be able to extend their permits again, and has met some people looking for alternative options. Almost all Ukrainians are working for minimum wage. They have to pay rent and they have to support themselves and their family back in Ukraine who need help as well. - Olena Riznyk, Ukrainian living in Strathroy, Ont. Some Ukrainian families have already sought out permanent solutions for their future. Mykola Bilovol and his family became permanent Canadian residents in 2024 after two years of adjusting to the lifestyle here and opening a bakery. Mykola and Iryna Bilovol moved to Strathroy, Ont. in 2022 after leaving Ukraine. Now, they own Bakery, a dream they had in Ukraine but only realized when they were forced to leave their country. (Submitted by Mykola Bilovol) "All of us understand that Canada has done an incredible amount of good things for Ukrainians and we will always be grateful for their support," said Bilovol. However, applying for permanent residency isn't accessible for everyone, said Riznyk. "It's quite expensive," she said, adding people who do not understand English or the application process may have to pay to use an immigration lawyer. "Almost all Ukrainians are working for minimum wage. They have to pay rent and they have to support themselves and their family back in Ukraine who need help as well." Bilovol recommends Ukrainians explore several options to stay in Canada, such as sponsorships or other permanent residency immigration programs. "My advice would be not to delay researching these available opportunities. Be prepared to put in the effort to build a future here."
CBC
10-02-2025
- Politics
- CBC
They welcomed Canada's open arms. Now Ukrainians worry about future as Russian invasion's 3rd-year mark nears
Social Sharing Nearly three years since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, some Ukrainians in southwestern Ontario say they're feeling uneasy about the future and whether they'll be able to remain in Canada as the war continues. Close to 300,000 Ukrainians arrived in Canada after Feb. 24, 2022. Ottawa offered them temporary resident status through the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program, until March 31. In January, Immigration Minister Marc Miller said Ukrainians must apply for an open work or study permit extension to stay in Canada as temporary residents. Although Miller has said he wouldn't force Ukrainians to return to a war zone after their visas expire, Alla Shevchuk, a Ukrainian now living in Stratroy, Ont., said community members remain worried. "Of course we're very stressed about it because we don't know what will happen the next day, next month or next year," Shevchuk said. Shevchuk, who settled in Canada in 2022 before opening a pierogi business, applied for an open work permit extension in early 2024 when the Canadian government offered them without any fees. After four months of waiting, she was granted an extension until 2027. Olena Riznyk said the deadline to apply for a work permit extension crept up on her. While she can stay in Canada until 2027, she's already thinking about the future. "Time just flies," said Riznyk, who also lives in Strathroy. "I have two more years, but it makes me a little bit worried and unstable because it goes so fast and we need to think about our permanent residence or what to do next." Counsellor suggests applying now for new work permits Some Ukrainians are trying to extend their temporary stays as long as possible, said a settlement counsellor at the Cross Cultural Learner Centre in London, Ont.. "Many people are trying to do it at the end of March so their new work permits will be longer because the new end date will be [3 years from] the day when the decision is made by the officer," said Galyna Volkova, who specifically works with Ukrainian newcomers. She said she has been helping at least four people a day with their open work permit extension applications, a number that's more than usual as people aim for extensions through March 2028. "I think it's a mistake," she said. "They should do it now." Volkova said Ukrainians who don't successfully submit extension applications by March 31 will need to go through regular work permit channels, a more complicated process, to stay in Canada. She said most people who apply for an open work permit extension are approved so long as they pay $255 in fees and meet all the requirements. "There's no worries because it will be extended ... but you know what they're nervous about after this? After three years, it will expire," Volkova said. "Then what will be next?" Volkova said she doesn't expect Ukrainians will be able to extend their permits again, and has met some people looking for alternative options. Almost all Ukrainians are working for minimum wage. They have to pay rent and they have to support themselves and their family back in Ukraine who need help as well. Some Ukrainian families have already sought out permanent solutions for their future. Mykola Bilovol and his family became permanent Canadian residents in 2024 after two years of adjusting to the lifestyle here and opening a bakery. "All of us understand that Canada has done an incredible amount of good things for Ukrainians and we will always be grateful for their support," said Bilovol. However, applying for permanent residency isn't accessible for everyone, said Riznyk. "It's quite expensive," she said, adding people who do not understand English or the application process may have to pay to use an immigration lawyer. "Almost all Ukrainians are working for minimum wage. They have to pay rent and they have to support themselves and their family back in Ukraine who need help as well." Bilovol recommends Ukrainians explore several options to stay in Canada, such as sponsorships or other permanent residency immigration programs. "My advice would be not to delay researching these available opportunities. Be prepared to put in the effort to build a future here."
