Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore visited Ukraine, highlighting the resilience and faith of its people amidst ongoing conflict. On October 19, he concelebrated Mass at the Cathedral Church of St. Alexander in Kyiv. During his homily, Archbishop Lori expressed admiration for the Ukrainian people's strength, stating, “The resilience of the Ukrainian people is nothing short of extraordinary.”

He was accompanied by Bishop Vitalii Kryvytskyi of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kyiv-Zhytomyr, Bishop Mykhaylo Bubniy of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Exarchate of Odessa, and Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, apostolic nuncio to Ukraine.

The archbishop's visit included a stop in Bucha, where atrocities occurred following Russia’s invasion in February 2022. He met families affected by these events and joined prayers at St. Andrew the First Called Apostle Orthodox Church.

Archbishop Lori also attended an event hosted by the Knights of Columbus for widows and orphans, offering words inspired by Blessed Michael McGivney: “For those of you who have lost loved ones... Blessed McGivney’s life speaks to you.” He shared hope with attendees alongside Bishop Bubniy through prayer and conversation.

During his trip, Archbishop Lori participated in a Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Kyiv and visited Cardinal Lubomyr Husar’s tomb. He engaged with local Knights chapters about their support efforts amid wartime challenges.

Additionally, he met Tetiana Stawnychy from Caritas Ukraine to discuss ongoing aid initiatives aimed at sustaining those most affected by conflict.