Decade of Missionary Renewal 2026

Today we began the Decade of Missionary Renewal, which this year is dedicated to marriage and family life.

The Decade of Missionary Renewal in the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church is a 10-day spiritual journey between the Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord and the Feast of Pentecost. It is a special time to reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit, prepare our hearts to receive Him, and renew the missionary life of our parishes. In 2026, it takes place from May 14 to May 24.

On this Feast of the Ascension, we hear in the Gospel how the risen Christ stands among His disciples and says to them: “Peace be with you.” These are not just ordinary words of greeting. In the Bible, peace means fullness of life, reconciliation with God, and inner healing. At that moment, the disciples were afraid, confused, and burdened with guilt after Christ’s suffering and death. Jesus first comes to them to fill them with His peace.

It is important to notice that Christ brings this peace while still bearing the wounds on His hands and feet. Even after His Resurrection, He does not hide the signs of His suffering. The Lord leaves these wounds as a reminder that true peace always comes through sacrifice. The peace of Christ is not the absence of pain or problems, but the fruit of love that passed through the Cross and proved stronger than death.

These words speak deeply to us today as the Ukrainian people continue to carry the heavy burden of war, loss, pain, and uncertainty. Ukrainian families have been especially wounded. Sadly, our country is facing one of the highest divorce rates since independence, and the demographic crisis continues to grow, as deaths greatly outnumber births. War not only takes lives — it also weakens relationships and damages family bonds.

That is why the family has become one of the main concerns of our Church today. This was clearly seen during last year’s Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Rome, which focused on the theme: “Pastoral Care for Families in Time of War.” One of the greatest responsibilities of both the Church and our nation today is to protect and strengthen the Ukrainian family. Our families, marked by many wounds, need the support of the Church more than ever, so they may receive the peace Christ gave to His disciples.

During times of war, it is especially important that families do not remain alone with their fears, struggles, and pain. The Church is called to stand beside them — to support, listen, heal, restore unity, and teach the kind of love that remains strong even in difficult times. For this reason, this year’s Decade of Missionary Renewal is dedicated to marriage and family life.

Beginning today and continuing until the Feast of Pentecost, we will reflect each day on passages from the Gospel of John in the light of marriage and family life. Together we will seek answers to important questions: how to protect love during difficult times, how to learn unity, forgiveness, sacrifice, and mutual support, and how to build a family centered on God.

May this time become an opportunity not only for deeper reflection, but also for the renewal of our family relationships, shared prayer, and a rediscovery of God’s beautiful plan for marriage and family life. Through strong, loving, and faithful families, the Lord will build a bright future for both the Church and Ukraine.

Personal Level: During the Decade of Missionary Renewal, let us make a commitment to attend the main services of our parish in order to prepare properly for the Feast of Pentecost.

Parish Level: Let us suggest to our parish priest a concrete way to support families — such as a prayer gathering for families or a small support group for married couples experiencing difficulties.

Missionary Level: This week, let us take a concrete step toward one family or person who is going through a crisis or has drifted away from the Church. Let us call them, visit them, or invite them to prayer or the Divine Liturgy, showing them care, support, and Christian love.