Seven Sundays ago, I shared with our parishioners a story about my friend, Roman Selivachov, an artist and iconographer who until recently lived in Kyiv, Ukraine. Just a few days after that first message about Roman and his family, they fled their home and took refuge in a safer part of the country. They took only what they could carry in their car. They left behind the family dogs, most of their belongings, many of Roman’s finished and unfinished icons, and all of his books. And they traveled for three days on roads clogged by traffic, military checkpoints, and refugees traveling on foot.

Despite these challenges, Roman remains thankful for what they have and that his children do not have to wake up to the sounds of exploding bombs. At the same time, he is deeply saddened that he and his wife may have to find schools in other countries because unexploded bombs and landmines could make Ukraine “too dangerous for children for some time” to come. Father Jim and I offered to help him financially and to find a safer place for his family to live, but Roman declined with gratitude. He wrote: “For now, I will refrain from asking for help. We still have everything. The children are fed. Our house is still intact…And there are people who need much more help than us.”

Because Roman and Oleksandra have four minor children, he is not subject to mobilization for military service. But Roman is doing his part to win the war for Ukraine. Last week, he traveled alone back to the family home. He check on their large dogs (who are being well cared for by neighbors). He volunteered to evacuate two military wives and their children. And he packed the car with art supplies. He wrote: “It is better to earn money by my work…So I will bring victory to Ukraine closer through my work and my prayers.” Believe it or not, two of our fellow parishioners have already contributed to Roman’s victory plan by buying his icons and his son’s drawings!

During these past few weeks, Roman has been caring for his family and creating new icons. One of these windows into heaven depicts Saint George, a patron of Ukraine, whose feast is celebrated on April 23rd in the Roman Catholic Church and on May 6th in most churches in Ukraine. Saint George is a Christian martyr of the early fourth century. He is revered throughout the world, but especially in Ukraine, where he is credited with unlocking the riches of the earth during spring. Saint George is venerated as a patron of farmers and soldiers; a protector of land and animals; and a victorious warrior against evil spirits. It is not surprising that Roman’s most recent icon of Saint George (which you can see via the link below to our newsletter) depicts him slaying a dragon that looks a lot like the military ribbon “which is so loved by the Russian terrorists.”

In the end, Roman is a father and a friend; a man of peace and a man of prayer. His messages from across the miles are often infused with references to the scriptures. He loves, prays, and paints for the sake of his family and for an end to the war that has ravaged his homeland. He writes: “I hope we all will live to see victory and to be able to celebrate it together in Ukraine.” Until that moment comes, we hope, we pray, and raise up this family and all families torn apart by war into the merciful arms of the Risen Jesus. Slava Ukraini! Glory to Ukraine! Alleluia! Alleluia!

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

CCGR Weekly Newsletter (4-24-22)
Brining Home the Word (4-24-22)
The Kids Bulletin (4-24-22)

Pastor’s Note: On behalf of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, we give thanks for our good friend, Roman Selivachov, whose amazing icon appears on the cover of our newsletter and online. This week, we feature a detail from Roman’s recent icon from Saint George. For more information about Roman and his work, check out his page on Etsy. Happy Easter! Peace and blessings! — Father Jim

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Call to Prayer
Saint George, Martyr for Christ
A Patron of Ukraine