Vatican Radio broadcasts in more than 35 languages from around the world, including Ukrainian. But in recent days, the work of this particular group has taken on an a critical role.
FR. TEODOSIO ROMAN HREN
Vatican Radio – Ukrainian Section
“We try our hardest to convey the concern from the Holy See, from the Pope, about everything that is happening in Ukraine.”
A team of four full-time employees, plus several volunteers and contributors, constantly update their web page, and help prepare a 20-minute, daily broadcast, available around the world.
Due to the sensibility, and the politically charged atmosphere of the situation, Fr. Teodosio Roman said finding reliable information on what’s happening in the country can be challenging.
FR. TEODOSIO ROMAN HREN
Vatican Radio – Ukrainian Section
“A very important role for Vatican Radio and for Ukrainian media in Western Europe, is to broadcast legitimate information. Because, normally, in many media outlets, we have so much news, so many journalists who write and speak about the situation in Ukraine, but unfortunately it’s not always the truth.”
Vatican Radio, he explained, stepped in to fill that gap, aspiring to become a “beacon of truth.” More so, they are also a point of reference for worship.
In certain areas, like Crimea, or in eastern Ukraine, he said, it’s not easy for Roman and Ukrainian-Greek Catholics to worship freely. In fact, several priests were forced to abandon their parishes after armed groups overtook Crimea and several towns in the east of the country.
FR. TEODOSIO ROMAN HREN
Vatican Radio – Ukrainian Section
“Each Sunday, and for all the major feasts, we broadcast the liturgy in Ukrainian. Those who are unable to participate in their church can always listen to the Mass live, or through the Internet.”
Both Pope Francis and the head of the Ukrainian-Greek Catholic Church have denounced the violence and called for peace. Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk has gone a step further and denounced attempts to break up Ukraine.
Throughout all this, the Catholic Church has stated it will steer clear of politics, and look out for the well being of everyday people.
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Ukrainian journalist for Vatican Radio pushes for ‘truth’ in media coverage of ongoing crisis