Introduction
The Brotherhood of Blessed Mykola Charnetsky was established at St. Volodymyr Parish on November 2, 2025, with the blessing of Bishop Benedyct Aleksiychuk, Eparch of St. Nicholas Eparchy in Chicago, during the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV, the leadership of His Beatitude Patriarch Sviatoslav Shevchuk, and His Grace Metropolitan Borys Gudziak.
The Brotherhood bears the name of Blessed Mykola Charnetsky, a priest and martyr of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church (1884–1959), who dedicated his life to serving God and people, defending the faith and the holiness of the Church, and remaining faithful to Christ even in the midst of great suffering. His life is a shining example of spiritual courage, sacrifice, and love for others.
A special gift for our parish is the presence of the relics of Blessed Mykola Charnetsky, which are kept in our church and displayed for veneration. This reminds us of the importance of prayer and spiritual life and inspires us to serve others. The name of the Brotherhood reflects our desire to follow the example of Blessed Mykola in daily life, prayer, and service.
Duties and Activities of the Brotherhood
Our goal is to grow spiritually, take active part in the life of the parish, and support one another in faith. The main commitments of the Brotherhood include:
Daily Private Prayer
Pray the “Our Father” and “Hail Mary” every day for all members of the Brotherhood, their families, our parish, and for peace and victory of Ukraine, as well as for an end to all wars in the world.
Monthly Meetings
Gather once a month to pray the Moleben (service) to Blessed Mykola Charnetsky, reflect on the Word of God, listen to spiritual talks, and deepen our faith through the example of Blessed Mykola.
Service to the Parish
Assist during the Divine Liturgy and other church services.
Help maintain the church grounds and facilities.
Support the parish’s activities and practical needs.
Organizing Events and Projects
Carry out cultural, educational, and charitable initiatives.
Support parish life through projects that build unity and strengthen our community.
Brotherly Support
Be a source of spiritual and moral encouragement to one another in faith, work, family, and times of trial.
Offer help, advice, and companionship to brothers in difficult moments of life.
Spiritual Renewal
Participate in an annual pilgrimage or retreat to grow in prayer and faith.
Nurture spiritual growth through participation in the Holy Mysteries, reading spiritual literature, and reflecting on the life of Blessed Mykola.
Leadership and Responsibility
The parish priest is responsible for the Brotherhood’s activities. He organizes meetings, provides spiritual guidance, and coordinates the Brotherhood’s service in the parish.
Invitation to Join
The Brotherhood is open to all men of the parish who wish to deepen their faith, serve the Church, and support one another.
Joining the Brotherhood means becoming part of a living community united by prayer, friendship, and concrete action.
Through this Brotherhood, every member has the opportunity to follow the example of Blessed Mykola, to take an active part in parish life, and to pray together for peace, goodness, and the growth of our Church.
In Christ,
Fr. Roman Bobesiuk
Administrator of St. Volodymyr Parish
A.D. 2025
PRAYER OF THE BROTHERHOOD TO BLESSED MYKOLA CHARNETSKY
Almighty and Merciful God,
we thank You for the gift of Blessed Mykola Charnetsky’s life —
for his faithfulness to You, his sacrifice, and his love for people.
Through his example, we learn to serve You and others,
to grow strong in faith, and to remain loyal to Your Church.
Blessed Mykola, servant of God,
pray for all of us — members of the Brotherhood,
for our families and loved ones, and for our parish of St. Volodymyr.
Ask the Lord to strengthen our faith, hope, and love,
to give us endurance in trials and joy in service.
Through your intercession, we ask for peace in Ukraine and throughout the world,
for an end to wars and for goodness among all people,
so that all may come to know our loving Father
and, together with you, glorify His holy Name —
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
