Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S. A. and Diaspora
The following message of condolences on the passing of Cardinal Lubomyr Husar was sent on May 31 by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A. and Diaspora. It was addressed to His Beatitude Major Archbishop Sviatoslav and His Eminence Metropolitan Stefan Soroka of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church.
Beloved Brothers in the Lord: Christ is Among Us!
On behalf of the Council of Bishops, the clergy and lay faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and Diaspora, we are offering our profound condolences on the falling asleep in the Lord of the deeply beloved and respected Cardinal Lubomyr Husar.
The passing of Cardinal Lubomyr is a deeply felt wound not only for the pious Ukrainian Greek-Catholic faithful, but also for all Ukrainian Christians who have admired his wise pastoral stewardship. His lifetime of exceptional leadership will live on in the hearts and minds of Christians of all religious backgrounds who were privileged to know his ministry.
We honor his memory, as he faithfully served our Lord with unwavering commitment and Christ’s love in his heart. Truly your beloved spiritual father has left behind a wonderful legacy in the memories and the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
In the midst of our sorrow, we must try to remember that, although his earthly journey has ended, we know that life does not end with our physical death but is just the beginning of life eternal, because our Lord promised us, “…I am the Resurrection, and the life: he that believes in me… shall never die.” (John 11: 25-26)
Thus our greatest consolation is our belief in Christ’s resurrection and the resurrection of all in Him. Our constant prayer for our departed loved ones is an affirmation that they are still alive in Christ, and that, as we are all united in God’s love, we will be reunited one day in heaven. For St. Paul says that “neither death, nor life… shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 8:38)
May his memory be eternal!
Prayerfully yours with love in Christ,
+Antony, Metropolitan
+Daniel, Archbishop
Ukrainian World Congress
Released by the Ukrainian World Congress on May 31:
The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC), together with the 20-million strong Ukrainian diaspora, shares the deep sorrow of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church (UGCC) and the Ukrainian nation on the passing into eternity of Major Archbishop and former Head of the UGCC, His Beatitude Lubomyr Husar.
Throughout his entire life His Beatitude Lubomyr Husar faithfully served the UGCC and the consolidation in Ukrainian society of the ideals of spirituality, mercy and harmony. Having lived for a long period of time outside Ukraine, His Beatitude Lubomyr Husar knew well and understood the global Ukrainian diaspora and was its wise mentor. The pastoral word of his Beatitude Lubomyr Husar was for Ukrainians worldwide a trustworthy guide, even after his retirement from the leadership of the UGCC, during the Euro-Maidan and today’s difficult times for Ukraine.
His Beatitude Lubomyr Husar met on more than one occasion with the UWC leadership, particularly to discuss the most effective ways to support Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, and the importance of raising young Ukrainian generations in the Christian and patriotic spirit.
“The millions-strong Ukrainian diaspora is deeply sorrowed on the passing into eternity of His Beatitude Lubomyr Husar and prays for the repose of his soul,” stated UWC President Eugene Czolij.
Ukrainian Canadian Congress
Released by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress on June 1:
The Ukrainian Canadian community joins Ukrainians around the world in mourning the passing of His Beatitude Lubomyr Husar, former head of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church. Cardinal Lubomyr Husar passed away on May 31. He was 84.
“We express our deep sorrow on the passing of His Beatitude Lubomyr Husar, and ask God to grant him eternal life in His Heavenly Home,” stated Paul Grod, national president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. “Cardinal Husar was a man of peace who united Ukrainians of all faiths. His wisdom and love for Ukraine will continue to inspire us all.”
Вічная Пам’ять! [Eternal Memory].
Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organizations
Released by the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organizations on June 1:
The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organizations (AFUO) mourns the passing of Patriarch Lubomyr Husar, former head of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church, who passed away in Kyiv on May 31, 2017, aged 84.
Patriarch Husar was a spiritual leader not only for Ukrainian Catholics but for the Ukrainian nation.
“His wise counsel was accepted by many as he steered his Church internationally. He also played a major role in articulating the principles of fairness, justice, national identity and encouraging the Ukrainian nation to stay strong and focused in its struggles. ‘God has guided Ukraine and will continue to do so’ was his mantra,” AFUO Chairman Stefan Romaniw said today.
He was responsible for cementing the UGCC in Ukraine after years of persecution by the Soviet regime. He ultimately brought the chair of the Church firstly to Lviv and finally to Kyiv.
He visited his flock throughout the world, including Australia.
[Editor’s note: Here, the AFUO gave Cardinal Husar’s biography in bullet points.]He was a major spiritual leader during the Revolution of Dignity. Patriarch Husar was later a lead spokesperson for the group known as December 1, a group of distinguished statesmen in Ukraine whose advice was sought by many.
The AFUO extends its sympathy to the leadership of the UGCC, its leader Patriarch Sviatoslav Shevchuk, the bishops, clergy and laity. We also extend our sympathy to Bishop Peter Stasiuk, the head of the UGCC in Australia and clergy and laity in Australia.
Patriarch Lubomyr was a strong and dedicated spiritual and national leader. He will be sadly missed. May he rest in peace.