SW News: With explosions, whizzing bullets and mortar attacks becoming the order of the day in Ukraine as Russian troops encircle cities, people have been forced to take shelter in cellars, bomb shelters and bunkers. Echoing the Church in ancient Rome when persecution forced believers to worship in catacombs, the Catholic Church in Ukraine has also gone underground, literally. On Sunday, priests of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church celebrated Holy Mass in bunkers and underground shelters where people are huddled together.

Heeding the exhortation of Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, the head of the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church, the heroic priests have pledged to remain with believers wherever they are and offer spiritual solace by administering the sacraments and celebrating Mass. In a recent video message to believers, the top prelate said that the Church is close to the people and he also thanked all who are working to defend the country.

In his message on Sunday, February 27, Archbishop Shevchuk said, “We survived yet another horrible night. There comes day, there is morning. After darkness, there comes light, just as after death there comes resurrection, which we all today radiantly celebrate.”

He said that his priests will go underground to celebrate Mass and show solidarity with believers during this hour of crisis. “The Church will come to the people,” he added. The archbishop said the Church brings the Eucharistic Lord to those who are experiencing critical moments in their life as they need the hope of resurrection.

On Sunday, Archbishop Shevchuk appealed to believers to go to confession and receive Holy Communion. He also told them to offer the Mass for those fighting the invaders. He also profusely thanked the government for its service during the invasion. “We once doubted, wondering if our government institutions were strong. We saw that our government has passed its test for strength, and is continuing to pass,” he said.