Ukrainians are living in fear of an invasion as Russian troops continue to amass along their border.
The Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church is asking for special measures to pray for peace and deter any sort of increased conflict.
FR. ANDRIY SOLETSKYY
Secretary of the Major Archbishop of Kyiv
'The synod of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church has invited our faithful to fast once a week for peace, and this initiative will be extended for the next four months in our country.'
The Pope has publicly expressed his concern for the people of Ukraine and the country's religious communities.
POPE FRANCIS
'May this Christmas of the Lord bring peace to Ukraine.'
According to the major archbishop of the Ukranian Greek-Catholic Church, Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuck, Pope Francis signaled a potential visit to Ukraine when the two met in November, though there has been no official word from the Vatican.
FR. ANDRIY SOLETSKYY
Secretary of the Major Archbishop of Kyiv
'Ukrainians believe that when the Pope comes, with him will also come peace. We truly see him as a peace bringer. And so Ukraine is waiting for the Holy Father.'
Since Russia invaded and annexed the Crimean Peninsula in 2014, more than 10,000 people have been killed and millions displaced in the ongoing conflict. Experts fear that a new invasion would come at an ever greater human cost.
The United States and European Union have both warned Russia of significant sanctions should they launch an invasion of Ukraine.
JM
