January 27, 2026
OUT-2026-35
To the Clergy and the Faithful of Saint Nicholas Eparchy
Christ is Born!
Dear Fathers, dear brothers and sisters,
From various sources of information, we all see and know that Ukraine is currently going through especially difficult and painful times. Frequent and prolonged power outages—especially in large cities such as Kyiv, where electricity is sometimes available for only 2–3 hours a day—make everyday life extremely difficult. And during the winter, this means not only darkness, but also cold, fear, and uncertainty about tomorrow.
We ourselves here in Chicago are experiencing severe cold and understand well how difficult it is to live in such conditions. But what can we say about our brothers and sisters in Ukraine, where in addition to the cold there is also a lack of light and heat? I recently spoke with my niece who lives in Lviv, and she told me that homes are very cold. People are forced to leave their homes and go to cafes or other places with generators just to warm up a little. And life goes on: people still need to work, raise children, and support one another.
Therefore, I turn to you with a sincere request and proposal. I kindly ask that every parish in our eparchy hold a special collection for the Patriarch, and that all collected funds be sent to His Beatitude Sviatoslav, who is best able to allocate them according to the most urgent needs in Ukraine. I encourage everyone to be generous in their donations.
Please do not delay this matter. The suggested date for the collection is February 1. Collected funds should be sent to the Chancery of the St. Nicholas Eparchy to Chrystyna Kosacz with the memo line: “Solidarity Fund.”
The next day, February 2, we celebrate the great and deeply meaningful Feast of The Encounter of Our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ. The righteous Simeon meets Christ—the Light of the world. On this day we are called to meet Christ in the concrete needs of our neighbors. Traditionally, we light a candle on this day as a sign of hope, a sign of God’s presence, a sign that light is stronger than darkness.
May this candle of the Presentation remind us that even in the darkest and coldest times, we are called to be light for one another. Through our prayer, our sacrifice, and our solidarity, we can warm the hearts of those who are freezing today—not only in body, but also from pain and exhaustion.
May the Lord, who is the Light and Hope of the world, bless each of you and your families, and may the Most Holy Mother of God cover our people and our long-suffering Ukraine with her protective omophorion.
May the Lord’s blessing be upon you!
+ Benedict
Bishop of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy