IPCA World Day of Prayer 2022

 

 

Every year on August 25, IPCA invites chaplains and those with an interest in prison ministry to join together in a special day of prayer for prisons.

August 25, 2022 Theme: “Lord, Teach Us To Be Healers In A World Divided By Hate.” Respecting Differences

OPENING HYMN: HOW GREAT THOU ART Oh Lord, my God When I, in awesome wonder Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder Thy power throughout the universe displayed Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee How great Thou art, how great Thou art Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee How great Thou art, how great Thou art And when I think that God, His Son not sparing Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing He bled and died to take away my sin Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee How great Thou art, how great Thou art Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee How great Thou art, how great Thou art When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart Then I shall bow, in humble adoration And then proclaim, my God, how great Thou art Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee How great Thou art, how great Thou art Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee How great Thou art, how great Thou art How great Thou art, how great Thou art

OPENING PRAYER:

Leader: Let us pray. All : Almighty God, you who made us all and loves us, you delight in the creation of your human rainbow, which spans the earth with colors from blackest ebony to palest white and in between, skins of weathered red and saffron. We are all children of the universe regardless of race, creed or gender. We are meant to share the air of this planet in peace and plenty. But greed and fear have distorted your human creation. We have made the planet a place of war, hunger, homelessness, crime and pain. And within prison walls in the jails and prisons worldwide, children of your creation are suffering. Many countries have suffered from the corruption of their leaders: economies plunging, governments bankrupt, leaders assasinated, fake news, misinformation and historical distortion prevail, not to mention the countless deaths brought about by this nagging pandemic. All these are caused by our human indecisions. Forgive the foolishness and ingratitude of the human race. Guide us to heal the hardness of our hearts and awaken us all to work for justice and peace. O great God of all the nations hear our prayer today. In Jesus Name. Amen. VOICE FROM HOLY SCRIPTURE: A reading from the Acts of the Apostles: (Acts 16:19-40) “When her owners saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them to the public square before the local authorities. They brought them before the magistrates[a] and said, “These people are Jews and are disturbing our city and are advocating customs that are not lawful for us Romans to adopt or practice.” The crowd joined in the attack on them, and the magistrates had them stripped and ordered them to be beaten with rods. After inflicting many blows on them, they threw them into prison and instructed the jailer to guard them securely. When he received these instructions, he put them in the innermost cell and secured their feet to a stake. About midnight, while Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God as the prisoners listened, there was suddenly such a severe earthquake that the foundations of the jail shook; all the doors flew open, and the chains of all were pulled loose. When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors wide open, he drew [his] sword and was about to kill himself, thinking that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted out in a loud voice, “Do no harm to yourself; we are all here.” He asked for a light and rushed in and, trembling with fear, he fell down before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you and your household will be saved.” So they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to everyone in his house. He took them in at that hour of the night and bathed their wounds; then he and all his family were baptized at once. He brought them up into his house and provided a meal and with his household rejoiced at having come to faith in God. But when it was day, the magistrates sent the lictors[b] with the order, “Release those men.” The jailer reported the[se] words to Paul, “The magistrates have sent orders that you be released. Now, then, come out and go in peace.” But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly, even though we are Roman citizens and have not been tried, and have thrown us into prison. And now, are they going to release us secretly? By no means. Let them come themselves and lead us out.”The lictors reported these words to the magistrates, and they became alarmed when they heard that they were Roman citizens. So they came and placated them, and led them out and asked that they leave the city. When they had come out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house where they saw and encouraged the brothers, and then they left.”

VOICES FROM MODERN TIMES • “Nobody escapes being wounded. We are all wounded people, whether physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. The main question is not, 'How can we hide our wounds?' so we don't have to be embarrassed, but 'How can we put our woundedness in the service of others?' When our wounds cease to be a source of shame, and become a source of healing, we have become wounded healers.” – Henri Nouwen

• “There is a light in this world, a healing spirit more powerful than any darkness we may encounter. We sometimes lose sight of this force when there is suffering, too much pain. Then suddenly, the spirit will emerge through the lives of ordinary people who hear a call and answer in extraordinary ways.” – Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta

• “Jesus said,: it is not enough to limit your love to your own nation, to your own race, to your own group. You must respond with love even to those outside of it, respond with love to those who hate you. This concept enables men to live together not as a nation, but as the human race. We are now at the stage in history where we will either take this step or perish” - Clarence Jordan.

• “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt , faith; where there is despair, hope; where is darkness, light and where there is sadness, Joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console not so much to be understood, as to understand; not so much to be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we received, It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life” - St. Francis of Assisi

COMMUNITY INTERCESSION:

Leader: As one community of prison chaplains worldwide, let us offer the following petitions to our Lord so we may be able to become healers of those in need. For every petition let us respond: R: LORD JESUS MAKE US HEALERS LIKE YOU!

1. For the prisoners around the world: those who are still on remand and awating trial for their cases as well as those who are languishing with still no end in sight for their trials; as well as those already convicted and are serving their sentences, may they receive strength and fortitude to withstand the hardships of being in prison, and that those wrongly accused receive the justice they deserve and for those proven guilty to have a sense of accountability to right the wrong they have done, WE PRAY. (R) 2. For the families of prisoners, may they find the strength and solace to be able to accompany their loved ones in prison in their quest for rehabilitation and reintegration to society, we pray. (R) 3. For the victims of crime and violence, may they find for themselves true justice that heals and restores and not yearn for earthly revenge toward those who have hurt them, we pray. (R) 4. For the correctional officials and workers in the jails and prisons worldwide, may they always be reminded of the sublime dignity of their work in helping the prisoner renew their awareness of their inherent dignity as human beings, WE PRAY. (R) 5. For those in public office, especially those involved in policy making for criminal justice, that they will strive to work for a kind of justice that heals and restores while upholding the rights and dignity of those in prison, WE PRAY! (R) 6. For countries who are at war, especially Russia and Ukraine, that there conflicts may soon be resolved and that there will be an end to the violence inflicted among each other due to differences in political views; hatred perpetrated by harsh words, deadly weapons, or cold indifference. May our homes, our nation, and countries around the world become havens of peace, WE PRAY. (R) 7. For the grace to see every human being, especially the prisoners, their families, and even their victims as children of God like us, regardless of race, language, culture, ideology and political belief, WE PRAY! (R) 8. For healing and justice for all those who have experienced violence and discrimination, especially in the countries where graft and corruption, political and extrajudicial killings are rampant and impunity reigns and for strength to teach others, especially our children how to resolve differences non-violently and respectfully, and the courage to model it in our own behavior, WE PRAY! (R) 9. For the wisdom to know the truth and to distinguish right from wrong, truth among the lies, especially in this age where fake news proliferate especially in social media, which exerts great influence especially among the youth, WE PRAY! (R) 10. For solidarity in our global human family, to enable to receive the stories and experiences of those different from ourselves and to respond with respect, WE PRAY! (R)

Leader: God our Father, hear the prayers of your faithful, be merciful unto us and encourage us to celebrate the diverse faces of Christ in our worship, and that we may respond boldly to the Holy Spirit's call to act together to end violence and injustice, and that we may work together to protect those who are most vulnerable and most in need. We ask this thru Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN

THE LORD’S PRAYER: Leader: Let us all as one pray the prayer our Lord Jesus Christ taught us in our own languages.

CONCLUDING PRAYER: All : Father, you are the master of life and death. Everything we have is yours, and we love you so very deeply. Just one touch from you restores the sick, heals the broken, and transforms the darkness. Only you can do this, only you, so we ask that you would be with those who are sick right now, of COVID 19 or any other serious life threatening illness, as well as those suffering from emotional and psychological illnesses and those who are living a life of crime. And also those who are suffering in detention because of them. May they sense your loving and healing presence. May they feel your power, may they know your love, may their bodies be overwhelmed with Your light and truth, with your healing power. Just as it was in the beginning as you first intended us to be. All of this, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

BENEDICTION: Lord God, whose blessings reach to the ends of the earth, you show us your love in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, whom we call Savior and Lord. Confirm us in our common faith that we may walk together with you and one another. Send your blessing upon your people on Earth that what we have begun in the Spirit may be brought to completion by your power. To you be glory and honor, now and for ever. R. Amen.

CONCLUDING HYMN:

I AM EVER WITH YOU Arnel Aquino, SJ Do not let your hearts be troubled Do not stay afraid It is really I whom you see I offer you now my peace I have waited for this moment To be with you again In my heart you'll remain In your heart I'll stay I am with you, till the end of your days I am in you, have faith That I hold you Even when you let go And I love you, You must know. I am here. I am ever with you. Do not let your hearts be troubled Do not stay afraid I'm beyond all anguish all death I'm risen to life anew When you feel that you've been emptied And can give no more Know that I am your breath and I fill your soul. I am with you, till the end of your days I am in you, have faith That I hold you Even when you let go And I love you, You must know I am here. I am ever with you.

Ікона Чудотворної Зарванцької Матері Божої відвідала Збаразьку виправну колонію

9 червня, напередодні Зіслання Святого Духа, Збаразьку ВК №63 відвідала Зарваницька Божа Матінка, яка є повною ласки і благодаті. Ікона Чудотворної Матері Божої Зарваницької, подорожуючи парафіями Збаразького деканату, після перебування в храмі Христового Воскресіння м. Збаража була привезена в’язничним капеланом отцем Омеляном Колодчаком у виправний заклад для посіщення і молитовного вшанування працівниками установи і засудженими, що на даний час там відбувають покарання. 

Дівчата у вишиванках з віршами і піснями, зустрічали Небесну Матір. Виступ з засудженими, з ініціативи начальника відділу СВПР Ірини Немеришиної, підготували працівники соціально-виховного відділу. Після урочисто зустрічі всі спільно з Зарваницькою іконою обійшли територію установи і в каплиці Великомученика Димитрія отець Омелян з дяком Володимиром Стецьком відправили Молебень до Богородиці. Після чого всі мали змогу підійти до ікони і попросити заступництва і благословення, збагатитися духовно і зцілитися тілесно з вірою приступаючи до Чудотворної Матері Божої Зарваницької. У теперішньому, нелегкому для України часі війни, просили в Пречистої найперше миру для України, припинення війни, перемогу над ворогом, що безжально знищує нашу державу і народ. Отець Омелян закликав засуджених придивитися і прислухатися до Марії. Вона вміла слухати і приймати Божу волю і діяти згідно Божого провидіння. Ось що потрібно кожному:  «Вміти слухати і сповняти волю Господню. Чудо в тому, чи ми вміємо почути сьогодні Марію і йти за нею. Приступаючи з молитвою до Богородиці прислухаймось, що вона зараз хоче сказати кожному. Нехай Божа Мати буде прикладом для наслідування Її чеснот».

Начальник установи - Андрій Макар висловив щиру подяку Тернопільсько-Зборівській архиєпархії УГКЦ, зокрема митрополиту Василію Семенюку за надану можливість перебування Зарваницької Матері Божої в Збаразькій виправній колонії і о. Омеляну Колодчаку  за сьогоднішні відвідини і можливість приступити до Чудотворної ікони, випросити у Неї потрібних ласк. 

Надія Тхір

PRISONS AS A REFLECTION OF A SOCIETY’S CONSCIENCE

Being by someone’s side, notwithstanding anything; giving hope in spite of one’s reserve and withdrawal; hoping for penitence and rethinking often without detecting even the slightest gleams of faith. The conversation with the Head of the Pastoral Department in Ukraine’s penitentiary system of the UGCC Patriarchal Curia, Fr. Constantine Panteley, disclosed a completely different dimension of clergymen, volunteers, and prisoners.

The existence of a prison system offers an opportunity for the Church to express its entire God given potential for doing charity. The prison, as is my belief, is the only place on earth where all the appeals to mercy for the soul and body can be accomplished simultaneously: “Give something to eat to the hungry; give something to drink to the thirsty; clothe the one who needs clothes or has no proper clothing; go visit the one who is in prison…” — said Fr. Constantine, starting our conversation.

Teach faith and goodness to the one who doesn’t know

The imprisonment of a criminal apparently resolves the problem, since the evil is punished. But is it possible to mend one’s ways in an environment of similar delinquents? For imprisonment, even in an ideal society, transforms into the conservation of crime, fostering malice and the desire for revenge. Thus, in order to somehow change the situation, we have to be present among those people so that they could understand that we support them in everything, except for sin.

No doubt that direct pastoral care is of great importance when a priest communicates with a prisoner and is able to listen and give advice. But pastoral care is represented by the very presence of a priest attesting that these people have not been forgotten. Such moral support is needed, however, to the prison staff as well, since, while doing their service, they also, to a certain extent, have limited freedom.

Exhort a sinner and bring him back from a destructive path toward the good one

It is most difficult for those who received long-term sentences or life imprisonments for their grave crimes. They need spiritual support and, at the same time, are in extreme despair and cynicism. For the deeper their psychological wound is, the greater is their alienation. Therefore, a priest should show the most patience with them.

The prisoners of an especially difficult category are those who committed crimes of a sexual character. Such people endure a double punishment: social isolation and cruel treatment from others convicted. Among those who are difficult to work with are also disabled prisoners who have grave mental deviations, while they are convicted as those who can be held responsible in court.

Helping juveniles who are imprisoned is also not simple. Presently, the code of criminal procedure has somewhat mitigated the treatment for juvenile crimes, so their number is decreasing.  According to the statistical data, on September of the last year, there were 316 such prisoners in Ukraine. But those who are convicted have graver crimes and receive big terms.

The imprisonment, even in an ideal society, transforms into the conservation of crime, fostering malice and the desire for revenge

It is a specific environment where continuous close attention is needed. And, in our country, there’s the lack of systematic and professional work with juvenile prisoners. The problem is also that most of those who are behind bars are sixteen years old. It means that, just in two years, they are moved to adult prisons, and the communication with criminals of a different “service and status” make them more criminalized. I know many cases when those who were, after reformatories, placed into adult prison found themselves there again for new crimes, which often are much more cruel.

Therefore, in order to avoid such a progression into the criminal world, the juvenile convicted would have to stay in separate institutions. They should be treated individually, since different crimes require different therapy, and, to work with them, there must be professionally prepared social psychologists, pedagogues who primarily would like to cure such individuals morally.

Women prisoners are a vulnerable category, especially those convicted multiple times. In our Church, the adaptation center for women has been established. Over thirty formerly convicted women have gone through this center, and the majority of them have found themselves and remain rooted in the Church’s life.

The prospect for moral recovery and an easier adaptation of prisoners is provided by an interdenominational approach, to work with the confined when the shepherds stand unanimously, appealing to the prisoners.

Pray for him so that God may help him

But pastoral care is not only for a priest but, to a greater extent, volunteers. During many years, we have observed how important the presence of the faithful is. Prisoners often perceive priests as people who lead a special way of life, which is inaccessible for others. When volunteers come, being different people from different social groups with their own problems, they demonstrate that, with God, one can go out of various hardships, giving hope for change.

I will never forget the question we were asked by a convict when he was saying goodbye to us, “Is it possible that you were not paid for coming to visit us?“ That is, those people could not believe that someone voluntarily, sacrificing one’s own time, could come to spend time with them. It makes them aware that they can be important to someone.

There are many people who help us in various activities, such as collecting all the necessary things for the prisoners or preparing some events. Such volunteering is necessary, as a testimony of social solidarity. Systematic work is more difficult. There are chaplain assistants who, in one way or another, get involved in conducting retreats, evangelizing. They need more substantial preparation. Anyway, however, while preparing volunteers to communicate with the prisoners, we put emphasis on the moral aspect. Since everyone has one’s own notion of a prison, sometimes there are situations when a volunteer who comes there for the first time feels a little bit tense, and it, consequently, reflects on the conversation. It is important to behave naturally and with ease so that no one would feel discomfort.

It is not worthwhile to confine a certain priest to the jail. He should be rooted in his parish community’s life and, alongside, accomplish his service to the prisoners

But I have to underline that supporting the prisoners is useful also to those who help them, as it is due to this that we can acquire a deeper awareness of what sin is. It helps us to grow spiritually and to understand the fullness and significance of freedom, as well as motivating us to overcome temptations and defeat the evil in our heart. Even the parish life becomes more valuable, profound and conscious when, among the different initiatives of service, there’s time for prisoners.

The important issue is also to involve more priests. At the moment, in our Church there are 34 chaplains who perform systematic pastoral work. But, it is most effective when there’s a certain rotation of chaplains so that they could recuperate in order to give more efficient assistance. I stand on the idea that it is not worthwhile to confine a certain priest to the jail. He should be rooted in his parish community’s life and, alongside, accomplish his service to the prisoners. It enriches the ecclesial life of the community and of the whole eparchy, as well as offering an opportunity for major cooperation with the volunteers.

Forgive wholeheartedly to those who have offended you

A deeper awareness of the Church’s mystery consists in being interested in each other’s lives. In order to overcome alienation towards people who have committed crimes, one should remember the words pronounced by Pope Francis at the meeting held on October 23, 2014, with the delegates of the International Association of Penal Law. The Pope says that there exists a so called populism when we are ready to apply the biggest punishment for any crime and make the responsibility for it exclusively on those people, in which the evil was manifested, relieving ourselves of our responsibility for involvement in various tendencies and trends of evil. The recovery of society is possible if we will respond to the pains and needs of every person. The Pope paid attention to the fact that the concept of “administering justice” doesn’t mean “punishment for the sake of punishment” but aims at “reeducating offenders” ― “real punishment doesn’t exist without hope.”

Console and comfort the grieved

Our Church works with the prisoners in many directions. Unfortunately, there’s still no rehabilitation center for men, though I think we are quite able to create it.

An important direction of supporting the confined is the service of correspondence. In Kyiv, since 1992, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Community has been active, which continuously keeps in contact and tracks positive changes during the developmental process of these people. Besides, we encouraged seminarians to create the program, Introduction to Holy Scripture, in order to explain God’s Word in letters to prisoners.

To support the convicted, we involve people from different professions. So, for instance, among volunteers, there are many professional jurists who understand the problem of penal law and perform remedial and juridical functions. There are also medical volunteers, which is especially relevant for prisoners. Last year, we successfully conducted eye examinations for prisoners, and eyeglasses were purchased to those who needed them. To work with the prisoners, we also involve pedagogues, psychologists, and social workers.

There are also people who help the prisoners to discover their own creative abilities, which is especially relevant for the reformatories. Quite often, prisoners discover talents in decorative, applied arts or fine arts. I saw how juvenile prisoners learned to embroider in different styles, to bead accompanied by their instructor in the Kremenchuk reformatory. Such skills diversify their stay in prison and modify their character, forming in them persistence and aesthetic delight from work.

Many of them sing, which also contributes to their spiritual growth. We receive great support from the Fraternity of Cossack Fighting Custom “Spas”. They organized Cossack entertainment and a sport competition for the juvenile prisoners during the summer period, which contributed to educating their spirituality and patriotism.

So, we conduct a vast activity, but still more is to be done. Therefore, we always welcome various social initiatives for supporting the convicted and those who have served their terms.

Recorded by Natalia Pavlyshyn

Ukrainian Christian Mission called “Spiritual and Charitable Care in Prisons” has released a joint declaration

On May 30-31, 2022, a meeting of the Board of the Ukrainian Christian Mission “Spiritual and Charitable Care in Prisons” took place in the the suburbs of Kyiv at the Rehabilitation Center for exprisoners. The Mission united together in prison ministry 9 major Christian denominations in Ukraine, which continue their ministry allready abot 21 years. The interfaith meeting has been attended by a representative of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Fr. Constantin Panteley, head of the Office of the Patriarchal Curia of the UGCC on pastoral care in the penitentiary system of Ukraine. The Steering Board of the Mission adopted of a joint declaration, which was made public.

STATEMENT OF THE UKRAINIAN CHRISTIAN MISSION "SPIRITUAL AND CHARITABLE CARE IN PRISON" DURING THE WAR WITH THE RUSSIAN AGGRESSOR

True freedom and peace, the safeguard of all attainment, life and development of our people are possible only in a sovereign state, the protection of which is the sole responsibility of all its citizens. Therefore, the Churches of the Ukrainian Christian Mission “Spiritual and Charitable Care in Prisons” express sincere gratitude and commitment to the state authorities and defenders of Ukraine, all medical professionals and volunteers. To all who are close to the desired lasting and rightful peace, which is a fundamental value for the development and preservation of the common good, freedom and dignity of every human being.

Since the beginning of the military aggression against Ukraine in 2014 and the intervention of the Russian Federation, the Churches of the Mission have maintained unity and developed solidarity in prison ministry, cooperating with public authorities. This manifested itself in the spiritual and humanitarian support of the needs of prisoners and staff, when since the beginning of the full-scale war, the supply system of the penitentiary system of Ukraine has been destroyed. The volunteers of our churches organized the evacuation of citizens from the war zone, provided shelter to internally displaced persons. The Mission continues to cooperate actively with chief administration of the penitentiary system of Ukraine, being a reliable partner in all that provides protection of health and life, human capacity and reintegration with the society of former prisoners.

The situation of prisoners during the war

A particularly unjust offense on the part of the aggressor is that our fellow citizens, who were held in prisons, passed through in particularly difficult circumstances, when the safety of life and human conditions of detention could not be guaranteed. Therefore, the members of the Mission express their recognition and gratitude to the Government, to the Ministry of Justice and to the State Criminal-Executive Service (SCES) of Ukraine, who from the beginning of active hostilities didn't spare any effort for evacuation of inmates to safer places, pursuant to Art. 27 of the Constitution of Ukraine and Art. 7 of the Criminal Executive Code of Ukraine in terms of maintaining personal security. We bow in prayer to God and thanks to the officers of the SCES, who, despite all the risks and anxieties of the war, remained faithful to their oaths, took on all the burdens and dangers of wartime. The peculiarities of hardship, threat to life, violation of international conventions and violations of rights during the war have been experienced by personnel who have been temporarily occupied by Russian invaders since the beginning of hostilities, which ensured humanity's treatment of prisoners, livelihoods, order and control.

Call to power authorities

In view of such hostilities and the inability to respect the rights of inmates in uncontrolled Ukrainian territories, the Mission's Churches call on the Ukrainian authorities to grant amnesty to those categories of convicts that are possible. And for the institution on the territory controlled by the Ukrainian authorities, to develop a mechanism for the release of convicted citizens through the institution of pardon and parole. The Mission's Churches offer networks of rehabilitation centers that can provide care for a significant number of released prisoners. The potential of the Churches can also facilitate mediation in the evacuation of prisoners from captured institutions to controlled areas. We are also ready to evacuate inmates and their personal property from institutions near the line of battle.

We call on the Ukrainian government to provide instructions to facilitate the completion of pastoral care in penitentiary institutions and pre-trial detention through the work of the Public Law Department of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine on the basis of European and international standards. After all, the conditions of the war showed that both prisoners and staff needed spiritual care as never before. Examples of pastoral care in the Kharkiv region, which was under fire, clearly demonstrate this need.

We turn to Churches and prison chaplains

During the war, the first focus is on helping the army, war-torn individuals and families, IDPs, people who have lost loved ones, housing and property. In this nationwide grief, however, we must not forget, "Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them" (Hebrews 13: 3). As a result of the war, the state is struggling to provide prisoners with everything they need. Many inmates were evacuated from facilities destructed by artillery shelling. They especially need pastoral attention. When joining charitable assistance with things and products, let us not forget that the main vocation of prison service is spiritual revival for a renewed Christian life. We also do not tire of human interaction to meet the spiritual needs of both prisoners and staff of the State Penitentiary Service of Ukraine, as well as members of their families.

We call to prisoners

Through the love of God the Father and the atoning sacrifice of the Only Begotten Son on the Cross, we urge prisoners to seek the Lord as long as they can find Him. Remember the prayers of the victims in your prayers. Maintain peace, patient and active compassion for each other and respect for staff working in difficult situations. "The obedient will see, and will rejoice, but whoever seeks God, may your heart be alive, for the Lord listens to the poor, and He is not proud of His prisoners!" (Psalm 68: 32-33).

During last pandemic year's, many of you had no experience of religious care, so now in this difficult time, renew your spirit through conversion to the Lord. (Ephesians 4:22) Seek spiritual support from prison chaplains directly or through the administration. Seek pastoral care and bring friends to the knowledge of God, maintain love for those of other faiths. And most of all, maintain Christian solidarity. By doing so, you will show the freedom of God's children who walk in the light. We pray for you that the time of your return, which your loved ones are waiting for, is approaching. We pray that the Lord will accept your sufferings as a penance saved for you and a voluntary sacrifice of compassion for Christ, who gave himself for the sake of our eternal life.

The Secretary of the Board of the Ukrainian Christian Mission "Spiritual and Charitable Care in Prisons" Fr. Constantin Panteley.

Humanitarian situation in Penal System of Ukraine after war has benn started

According to the Department for the Execution of Criminal Punishments, as of March 10, there are 33 prisons in the combat zone. Most of them are working institutions that face the challenges of wartime on a daily basis.

The Humanitarian Headquarters of Ministry of Justice (e-mail: na4shtab@ukr.net, contact phone: +380963892269) has been established in the Prison Department of MJ to coordinate the collection and distribution of humanitarian aid to prison infrastructure, and is cooperating with international and Ukrainian charitable and volunteer organizations.

During this time, 5 penal institutions were affected by the shelling. In particular, the Mariupol and Chernihiv pre-trial detention centers and three other penitentiaries in Mariupol, Berdyansk and Kharkiv regions were damaged as a result of gunfire. At the time of the shelling, staff and convicts were in bomb shelters, one person received minor injuries.

Unfortunately, during the temporary occupation of certain cities or districts in the cities, penitentiaries were also seized by the aggressor. Today the connection with the Mariupol, Starobilsk and Kherson pre-trial detention centers, Melitopol and Priazovsky correctional colonies has been lost.

The Department takes measures not only to support the functioning of penitentiary institutions, but also actively works to support the armed forces defending the Ukrainian state.

Thus, with the assistance of the Penal Department, the President of Ukraine issued a number of decrees pardoning 363 convicted veterans of hostilities, who are positively characterized and expressed a desire to defend the state in the ranks of territorial defense units. The release of pardons, as well as those prisoners whose detention measures are revoked by the courts and prosecutors' offices, is being carried out immediately. If the state authorities make other systematic decisions on the release of convicts, the prison system will execute them as soon as possible in the manner prescribed by law.According to the Department for the Execution of Criminal Punishments, as of March 10, there are 33 prisons in the combat zone. Most of them are working institutions that face the challenges of wartime on a daily basis.

МОЛИТВА ЗА КИЇВ

 

Непохитна Стіно нездоланного Міста,

до Тебе, Пресвята Богородице, Престоле Божої Премудрості, прибігаємо у хвилини важких випробувань: огорни своїм материнським покровом береги Дніпра, милістю своєю заквітчай міські вулиці та людські долі. Залишайся нам вірним захистом у час нападу чужинців, зміцни мури нашої відваги, розпали в нас дух братерства, будь зціленням для наших ран, сяйвом надії в сутінках наших тривог. Заступайся ласкаво за нас перед престолом Творця: “Бог нам прибіжище і сила” (Пс 46, 2).

Нехай усі ворожі наміри ламаються об рішучість нашої віри, а їхні темні задуми нехай згорять у полум’ї нашої любові до української землі та рідного народу. І допоки в серцях його мешканців правда залишається правдою, а добро добром - “Бог посеред міста, воно не похитнеться. Бог йому допоможе перед світанком” (Пс 46, 6).

МОЛИТВА ЗА УКРАЇНСЬКОГО ВОЇНА

Передвічний Творче, Боже миру і добра, своєю незбагненною потугою стань сьогодні на захист твоїх вірних синів і доньок, що, ризикуючи власним життям, стали на захист свого народу. 

Будь для кожного з них силою і міццю, вірною опорою у миті випробувань і світлим обрієм у сутінках загроз. Увінчай їхні зусилля перемогою добра над злом, правди над брехнею, справедливості над кривдою. 

Підведи кожного, хто спіткнеться; поверни кожного, хто загубиться; звесели кожного, зраненого серцем; воскресіння даруй усім полеглим за своїх братів і сестер. 

Зроби їх надійною опорою для українського народу - його щитом і його надією. А в грізному клекоті бою дай кожному з них сили й відваги не зійти з дороги, що веде до остаточної перемоги. 

Боже, нехай буде завтра, і нехай буде мирний світанок, а на його сторожі нехай вірно стоїть відважний захисник України - український воїн!

Амінь.

Address of His Eminence Mikhail Koltun on the occasion of the Day of Special Attention to Prison Ministry

The pastoral word of Mykhailo Koltun, Bishop of Sokal-Zhovkva,

Head of the Department of Military Chaplaincy of the Patriarchal Curia of the UGCC

on the occasion of the Day of Special Attention to Prison Ministry

(Sunday of the Prodigal Son, February 20, 2022)

«We are still a long way from the time when our conscience can be certain of having done everything possible to prevent crime and to control it effectively so that it no longer does harm and, at the same time, to offer to those who commit crimes a way of redeeming themselves and making a positive return to society.»

Cit. from the Message of His Holiness John Paul II for the Jubilee In Prisons, Juhn,9, 2000 р. Б.

Beloved in Christ!

Prison pastoral care has been an opportunity for many chaplains, volunteers, and the Church herself to deal with painful wounds inflicted by crime and severe consequences for victims of crime or suffered losses. Administration of justice renders those people minimal assistance to recover from their injuries. They are ignored, except when they are called as prosecution witnesses.

Priests, parish communities and the Church are called to pay attention to the needs of the victims. To go carefully and patiently through the journey of healing with them as they mourn their losses and need to strengthen their spirits to encourage them to overcome their anger and turn our society from revenge to true justice.

Very often we hear calls and demands for retribution in the form of the most severe punishment or even the death penalty for the offender, which is said to "satisfy" the loss of the victim or his loved ones. In fact, this is not the case. Retribution cannot make up for losses and will not heal.

Prison chaplains must work hard to ensure that the Christian charity service for prisoners in society is not mistaken for justifying crimes. Responsibility, rehabilitation and recovery should be the motto of every prison pastor.

As a religious community, we are called to offer support to victims of crime. And to do this in preaching and in direct ministry. It is in this way that the Church becomes a place of restoration for all who suffer the consequences of loss.

The abbots and volunteer helpers of the parishes are called to provide pastoral care and prayerful accompaniment to these people in order to make up for the state of alienation and neglect they often feel in society. In this way, victims and their families will be able to find a safe environment in parish communities for spiritual renewal and overcoming grievances. The silent victims of crime are the families and children of prisoners. They often live in poverty, rejected by society for being related to a prisoner, and at risk of physical and emotional injury.

The causes of crimes are complex. Ways to overcome violence are not easy. There is a high probability that we will be misunderstood. But the basis for a proper response is the recognition that the dignity of the human person applies to both the victim and the offender. For us, the crimes and destruction they bring raise fundamental questions about the nature of community, personal responsibility, sin, and redemption. A distinctly Christian approach to these issues can offer society a different way of treating crime, its victims and perpetrators. However, we approach this topic carefully and modestly.

We express our gratitude and support to those who dedicate their lives and talents to the protection of victims of crime and restorative justice: chaplains and prison service volunteers, police and correctional officers, prosecutors and judges, and lawyers. We call on all people of good will to join them in their new commitment to prevent crime and restore society. Christians need to be especially sensitive to the call from Matthew 25: "For I was... In prison, and ye visited me." We also want to stand in solidarity with the victims of their pain and loss, insisting that everyone treat them with compassion and help them achieve healing.

It is not without reason that the forgiveness of the guilty is in the middle of the Our Father prayer. The Lord Himself tells us, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." We must pray for this, that we, sinful mankind, may enter through the gates of God's mercy. And God will always give a reward worthy of our changed heart.

† Mikhail Koltun,

Head of the Military Chaplaincy Department of the Patriarchal Curia of the UGCC

*According to the resolution #5 of the 51-st session of the Synod of Bishops of the Kyiv-Halych Supreme Archbishopric of the UGCC (Chortkiv, July 13-14, 2010)

Prison Pastoral of the UGCC

PFI International Webinar on Restorative Justice has been held

The Prison Fellowship International webinar on Restorative Justice took place on February 16, 2022. It was organized by the PFI special expert Jonathan Derby. The event was attended by ministers and volunteers of pastoral mimistries of Eastern Europe, among whom were many chaplains and their assistants from Ukraine.

The Ukrainian Christian Mission "Spiritual and Charitable Care in Prisons" is a national organization representing the activities of the PFI in Ukraine. Therefore, among participants of the webinar was also Fr. Constantin Panteley, the head of the UGCC PC Office for Pastoral Care in the Penitentiary System of Ukraine, the current secretary of the Mission.

As a special adviser to PFI, Jonathan Derby has developed a handbook that informs national ministries about restorative justice concepts and best practices. The webinar covered the following topics: • Review of Restorative Justice in the Context of PFI • Continuity of Restorative Justice General and prison sphere • Practical application to make our programs more effective

How crime harms everyone Unfortunately, imperfect and sometimes corrupt criminal justice systems help perpetuate the range of crimes.

Prolonged pre-trial detention

Millions of prisoners around the world are being held in overcrowded, inhumane conditions awaiting trial. They often wait longer than the maximum sentence they can receive if convicted.

Punitive populism

Many justice systems focus on punishing offenses rather than creating a rehabilitation environment where prisoners can learn to take personal responsibility for their behavior.

Suffering victims

Victims of crime receive little help to recover from injury. They are ignored, except when summoned as a prosecution witness. Silent victims

Families and children of prisoners live in poverty in remote, hard-to-reach areas. They are often ostracized for being related to a prisoner and risk physical and emotional trauma. The participants of the webinar discussed steps to implement effective reconciliation programs aimed at restoring wounded souls and restoring hope for peace in public life, peace that has been distorted and endangered by criminal activities. Jonathan works closely with Prison Fellowship International and national ministry leaders who are experts in Restorative Justice in their countries, including the Netherlands, Germany, Syria, Rwanda, Nigeria, Canada, New Zealand, Colombia and the United States. In addition, Jonathan has developed a three-year strategic plan that integrates Restorative Justice into the context of serving Prison Fellowship International. Prison Pastoral Care of the UGCC