What the Experience of Ukraine’s Church can teach American Catholics Today

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine brought a number of issues to the fore, including the religious composition of both countries. One strong voice that has emerged in leading his flock in the midst of war is Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head and father of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. That Church’s dramatic history and rich liturgical and spiritual traditions not only provide a sense of grounding and hope for its members who are undergoing hardships in Ukraine, but also offer lessons for American Catholics and other believers, who often face cultural and liturgical “wars” in their own country. Catholic journalist John Burger, author of At the Foot of the Cross: Lessons from Ukraine, provides some context and possibly some food for thought.

At the Foot of the Cross: Lessons from Ukraine may be purchased at the event and is on sale now in the McGivney Center Gift Shop.

John Burger is a reporter for the Catholic website Aleteia.org. His 30-year career in journalism includes stints at Catholic New York and the National Catholic Register. His work has also appeared in many other periodicals, including Columbia Magazine. A native of New York, he graduated from Iona College and received a Master’s degree in English from Iowa State University. Before turning to journalism, he taught overseas. He and his wife live in Georgia.