Despite being far from Ukraine, Fr. Pavlo Popov of the St. Sophia Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in The Colony, Texas, and the parishioners still pray for God for peace and quiet. 

Father Popov claims that the return of churchgoers can be attributed to a renewed sense of spiritual hunger. He stated they had been hurt so deeply that they decided to seek solace in a religious community.

Not Giving Up on Hardships

Father Popov cares for a diverse group of Catholics in his congregation. Recent arrivals include Ukrainian refugees, some of whom are staying with relatives. In contrast, others have no ties to the area at all.

Texans take great pride in their Ukrainian heritage. Even believers whose only connection to the church is a preference for the Eastern Catholic Rite or a love of the nation.

According to OSV News, many congregants' worries revolve around anxiety about the fate of their families and friends in the conflict's uncertain future. 

When preaching to his audience, Popov often 'looks back, looks out, and looks up.'

The Ukrainian people are no strangers to adversity, having survived severe starvation, genocide, two world wars, and communism. Popov said they were no strangers to hardship, having experienced persecution and suffering themselves.

St. Sophia parishioner and president of the Ukrainian American Society of Texas, Liz Moroz Harper, agrees that Ukrainians have a strong will and can overcome adversity. She assured them they would not give up because they are proud people who value freedom.

Father Popov and Harper are just two of the many locals who constantly look for ways to lend a hand despite the difficulties of their situation.

Per the report, to help roughly 15 refugee families that attend St. Sophia celebrate Christmas, the Ukrainian American Society of Texas had set up an angel tree.

Aside from that, several members of the St. Sophia congregation provide financial sponsorship to refugees, enabling them to meet basic requirements like transportation and language obstacles while they settle into their new homes.

Father Popov has been moved by the community's outpouring of support for Ukraine, including individuals with no direct ties to the country. He also tells his congregation not to lose hope because of the unjustness of the war and the deaths of innocent people. 

He references the apostles, saints, and martyrs, who overcame tremendous obstacles to grow holiness and spread the Gospel.

About St. Sophia Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church

St. Sophia Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in the Dallas/Fort Worth area falls under the eparchy of St. Nicholas in Chicago. They are publicly and openly a part of the Catholic Church.

Most of their offerings can be accessed in either English or Ukrainian.

On Wednesdays, there is an English service at Vespers. Sunday liturgy is conducted entirely in English, including all readings, homily, and priestly parts. 

According to Father Popov, the Liturgy will be conducted in the local language, reflecting the traditional eastern perspective.

Members of their congregation come from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds. The Church is worldwide, and the Gospel is for all people.

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