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Address of His Beatitude Lubomyr
12-10-2009
Address
of His Beatitude Lubomyr, Major Archbishop of Kyiv and Halych,
to the faithful of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church
and all people of good will on the occasion of the World Hospice and Palliative Care Day
Dearly Beloved in Christ!
Yesterday, on October 10, the whole world celebrated the World Hospice and Palliative Care Day. I wish to turn your affectionate attention on such activity, because here is something important, possibly new for us, though widespread in the last decades: about helping a person, who is dying, to finish his life deservingly. Transition from life on Earth to the afterlife is an extraordinarily important moment for each of us. In this time, according to an ancient Christian custom, those who accompany a dying person with their prayers help him resist different temptations offered by the devil. At the same time it is necessary to bring attention to the fact that this incurably ill person must have not only the necessary spiritual facilities, but also all which is needed for his body, be it at home in the circle of family, or in hospitals. We have to remember that this time is extraordinarily important for those who give care, because it becomes an opportunity for deep reflection.
The Commission of the Kyiv and Halych Major Archbishopric on matters of pastoral health protection has prepared an appeal about palliative care, which we hope to bring to your attention. In this appeal the key points related to this noble service for those people, who as our Christian tradition dictates, are born for another form of life. This service is especially important in our times when everywhere we see a frivolous attitude toward God's gift of life.
I cordially thank everyone who, with the deep understanding of dignity of life, tries to protect the soul and body of a dying person during this important time.
May the Lord bless you!
+ LUBOMYR
Issued in Kyiv, from the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ,
on October 6, 2009 A.D.
Attention! For the most reverend and reverend pastors I recommend you read this appeal at the holy Liturgy on Sunday, October 11, or if it will not be passed to you in time, to give it to the faithful in your chaplaincy at the nearest opportunity. At the same time I ask to encourage Your faithful to study the above appeal on the occasion of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, issued by the Commission of Major Archbishopric of the UGCC on matters of health protection, which will be placed on the site of our Church and published in the church's press and in other mass medias.
http://www.ugcc.org.ua/892.0.html?&L=2#c1686
