Ukrainian bishop on harsh winter: Support can warm our hearts

By Svitlana Dukhovych

During the night of February 5–6 and in the early morning hours, the Russian army once again launched a large-scale strike on various populated areas across Ukraine. Among the hardest-hit regions was Zaporizhzhia.

Numerous resdiential buildings were damaged. A 14-year-old boy and a man were injured. Tragically, a married couple was killed—a 49-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman.

In an interview with Vatican News, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kharkiv–Zaporizhzhia, Jan Sobilo, describes the situation following this particularly heavy night of shelling. He also speaks about the daily life of a city that continues to endure amid air-raid sirens, cold temperatures, and the lack of electricity and heating.

Prayer in the midst of bombings

“At eight o’clock this morning, we celebrated Holy Mass,” Bishop Sobilo recounts. “Guests from Italy were also present, including the director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in Ukraine, Father Luca Bovio, IMC, together with his colleagues.”

He recalls how loud explosions could be heard during the liturgy as the bombardment continued. “I also saw a drone being shot down: it was flying like a ball of fire, falling and still burning in the air. It was a very loud morning”, the bishop notes.

And yet, despite everything, people continue to pray, and now, he says they even pray calmly. “It is sad to say, but we have grown accustomed to the war. Air-raid sirens sound constantly, day and night”, Bishop Sobilo explains. “Many people no longer go down to bomb shelters, because it is impossible to do so every time. Otherwise, one would have to live there permanently. So people try to carry on as best they can.”

One of the most serious problems remains the lack of electricity. “Power outages happen frequently,” the bishop stresses. “Today, for example, some districts have electricity while others do not. A complete blackout in Zaporizhzhia is rare, but rotating outages in certain areas occur regularly, because there is not enough energy for everyone.”

Heating conditions depend greatly on the type of building. “Those who have gas, like us, can heat their homes. But in many modern high-rise buildings everything runs on electricity. When there is no power, there is no heating, the pumps do not work, and there is not even water.” Bishop Sobilo recounts how some people have to warm themselves in their cars in the evenings before heading back inside to sleep fully clothed to retain the heat. This situation affects not only Zaporizhzhia, but also other cities such as Kyiv and Dnipro.

A pack of noodles to save lives

In these difficult circumstances, parishes have become vital places of support. “People continue to come to Mass,” Bishop Sobilo says. “Near the co-cathedral, at the Shrine of God the Father, the Albertine Brothers distribute bread four times a week. Each time about 1,500 people come, and on Saturdays up to 2,000. They receive bread and canned food.”

However, resources are dwindling. The bishop admits that the siutation is very hard as aid is becoming more and more scarce. “It is harder and harder to reach us, and not all transport companies agree to deliver aid.” Neverthless, the Albertine Brothers continue to bake bread, some bring canned food, and certain organizations help. So, the bishop notes, “we carry on.”

After Christmas, a special shipment arrived—an aid truck from Cardinal Konrad Krajewski. One of the much-needed supplies came in the form of instant noodles. People really appreciate them, the bishops recounts, because they are tasty and a little spicy.

“When it’s cold, they warm you up. Soldiers at the front also ask for them because they are light and easy to transport. They say these noodles save their lives. So there is something to share both with the poor and with the military.”

Support can warm our hearts

For the local Church, supporting the military is one of the top priorities. “Helping our soldiers is extremely important,” the bishop stresses. “If they do not defend us, then any other aid will no longer matter. The occupiers would come and take everything. That is why we pray for our soldiers and support them in every possible way. They are defending our country.”

The situation on the front lines remains extremely tense. “Before this winter, things were somewhat calmer,” Bishop Sobilo explains. “We were convinced that our army would keep the aggressor away from the city. Now we see that the Russians are pressing forward and approaching Zaporizhzhia, the front is cracking, and our boys are in a very difficult situation.”

In these circumstances, the cold only makes everything worse. “They are bombing our city, the energy system, everything that gives us light and heat. As a result, life is very hard for people and for the soldiers. The Russian army is using this winter to push further.”

On a human level, the burden of war is immense. “There are people who used to say, ‘I will never leave this place,’” the bishop recalls. “Now I see that even they are packing their bags and leaving with their families. Children can no longer cope: drones fly overhead day and night, and are shot down. It is an enormous emotional strain, especially for the youngest.”

The Auxiliary Bishop of Kharkiv–Zaporizhzhia calls on everyone who can to help in any way possible, emphasizing that people in his diocese have lost everything. “Without electricity and water, businesses cannot operate, and the needs are enormous,” he notes.

Addressing readers and listeners of Vatican News, he expresses gratitude for their solidarity. “Above all, we thank the Holy Father for his closeness, his words of support, and the assistance he provides through Cardinal Konrad Krajewski. We continue to pray. At times it seems that the world does not see the brutality of what we are enduring. I ask you: do not forget Ukraine. The memory and support of human hearts warm our hearts.”