Roman Selivachov is my friend. He is an artist and iconographer who lives in Kyiv, Ukraine. If you attend Mass at Saint Ann Church or Our Lady of Good Voyage Church, then you have seen some of his work. Roman’s amazing icon of the Holy Face of Christ is a favorite at Our Lady’s; and his compelling icons of Saint Peter and Saint Paul adorn the high altar at Saint Ann’s. His icons have been commissioned and shipped all around the world. And we are very blessed to be able to pray with some of them here.

Six weeks ago, Roman was concerned about the rhetoric coming from the Russian dictator, but did not seem frightened. We exchanged messages about his family and his art. He sent photos of a few new icons he thought that I might like. Finally, he said: “Everything is fine. The children are healthy. I have orders and I draw all the time.” It appears that Roman and his family left for a brief vacation and returned home to Kyiv.

Last week, when the first images of Russia’s barbaric invasion of Ukraine were shared with the world, I wrote again to Roman. In response, he described the invasion as a “sudden attack.” He said: “Today at 5:00am, we woke up to the sounds of explosions! Thank you for your prayers! With God’s help, we will survive!” One day later, he was filled with concern for his wife, Oleksandra, and their children: Myron, Tryfon, Ustyna, and Martyna. He said that while his family was safe and “still had everything”, the Ukrainian army was in desperate need of first aid supplies.

Father Jim and I promised that we would pray for Roman, his family, and for the courageous people of his country. We begged him to keep in touch as best he could under unimaginable circumstances. On Thursday, he wrote again: “The air raid alarm is sounded between seven and ten times every day. We are huddled in the basement. We are worried about the fate of our four children. There are no safe places now.” As we watch the coverage of this senseless war online or on television from the comfort and safety of our own homes, can we possibly appreciate the fear that consumes this poor family? Can we possibly understand the destruction that is consuming Ukraine and its people?

Fear was not the only emotion expressed by our friend. Roman is justifiably angry at the Russian government and its armed forces; but also at Russian friends who have turned their backs on him and his countrymen. Through it all, however, Roman is a man of faith. He said: “We pray for our country…as we have never prayed before! We hope for the support of the whole world! We also hope for your prayers!” Another good friend, who also happens to be an iconographer, said to me: “We can only trust that God has a plan for Roman and his family.” In this spirit, we must hope and pray and trust.

Behind every headline is a family. Behind every door is a family with a unique story. Every family has hopes and dreams, pain and sorrow, anxiety and moments of real courage. Whether that family lives on Washington Street in Gloucester or huddles in a basement somewhere near Kyiv, it needs friends and neighbors to pray for peace, good health, and better days. This week, when you read or watch the news, please pray for the families behind the headlines. Pray for Roman and Oleksandra. Pray for their children. Pray for Ukraine. Most of all, pray for peace in our world.

Cliff Garvey
Associate Minister
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: cgarvey@ccgronline.com

CCGR Weekly Newsletter (3-6-22)
Bringing Home the Word (3-6-22)
The Kids Bulletin (3-6-22)

Art Credit: Saint Michael the Archangel by Roman Selivachov

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Call to Prayer
A Prayer for Ukraine