The V-th Social Days of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church were held in Menska penal colony № 91.

Organizers of Social Days always are turning their attention to all who needs help. As long as nothing could take a place of a sincere human communication they visited also prisoners. The specificity of Mena penal colony # 91 for men is that the inmates mostly are former officers of armed forces or police. This visit was a respons to the invitation which was many times expressed in letters of convicts directed to the UGCC Department for Pastoral Care. Fr. Lubomir Jaworsky (Head the Office for Pastoral Care in the Armed Forces of Ukraine) and Fr. Constantin Panteley (Head of the Office for Pastoral Care in Penitentiary System of Ukraine) made a trip to this penal establishment.

The idea of social solidarity is a purpose of the UGCC Social-Days in Prison. So this visit joined performers of Ukrainian folk songs, the members of the All-Ukrainian public organization “The Gait of the Myrrhbearing Women” Mrs. Zoya Ruzhyn (Honored Worker of Culture of Ukraine), Mrs . Inna Andriyash-Misko (soprano, Honored Artist of Ukraine, soloist of the Kyiv Philharmonic, laureate of international competitions) and the duet "Two Hannusyas" of folk ensemble "Volynianka" Mrs. Hanna Makowska and Mrs. Hanna Yarmoluk.

The spiritual introduction to this event was performed by the chaplains who spoke about the mission of the Church in power structures of Ukraine. They stressed the interdenominational dimension of this ministry. In particular, guests mentioned the round tables and conferences held last week in Kyiv, which aimed to focus on pastoral care of militaries and police as well as prison chaplaincy. The priests stressed the need for nurturing spirituality and tolerance towards all people in Ukrainian multidenominational society. "After such a busy week, when have been held the international round tables and conferences about the revival of chaplaincy, it was not easy to decide in favor of the all day’s trip to Mena, - Fr. Lubomyr is sharing - But a spiritual meeting, which we have experienced compensated for every kind of fatigue."

An art program was assisted by Mrs. Zoya Ruzin. She described the activities of “The Gait of the Myrrhbearing Women". Acapella singing together with recitation performing by poet and composer Anna Makowska. Duet of Anna Makowska and Anna Yarmoluk gave to the audience a traditional song of Woodland. Inna Andriyash-Mysko completed a series of spiritual classics from here collection «Ave Maria», and several folk songs. The highlight of her performances were songs by akomponiment of guitar.

"The concert program, which on the eve of St. Nicholas Feast we heartily presented for people deprived of their liberty is a kind of gift of God for them and for us. We felt the sense of this Christian mission - to bring the mood of harmony, kindness and love - says Zoe Ruzhin - very touched us how the listeners responded with applause and how after our performances they came and shared their filings. 

"I was in prison for the first time. Before it I had experiences of concerts for different audiences in different halls of Ukraine and abroad. Here I was positively impressed by an intelligent and grateful audience. They were  open, not hidden by masks, genuine sincerity. There was a real union of souls "- shares here impressions Mrs. Ina Andriyash-Mysko, opera singer.

Art meeting finished by granting "Many years", socializing and by sweets refreshments.

The UGCC office for Prison Pastoral Care.