Episode Transcript
Fr. Volodymyr Malchyn 0:00
The way I view Ukraine, I will say in Ukraine is really beautiful. You have to discover it yourself, you have to come to visit us. But mostly you have to be in touch with the Ukrainian people to discover their soul and Ukrainian soul that's something special
Abdulaziz M Alhamdan 0:34
this podcast shows that Ukraine is not what foreigners see on television. In reality, Ukrainian people are much better, much more interesting and friendly than other people expect. This podcast is about the real life experiences, work and personalities of Ukrainian people with a focus on the capital Kyiv so that foreigners discover the positive truth about Ukraine. hear the voices of Ukrainians visit the country and invest in the economy, creating more opportunities for the younger Ukrainian generations to stay and build their country. Hello, my name is Aziz and I have a deep connection with Ukraine. My grandfather volunteered in 1987 to help liquidate the Chernobyl chemical radiation because he believed in humanity. He was a real hero for me. And even though he struggled with cancer after that, for the rest of his life, he always told me many great things about Ukraine, and its people then from 2018 to 2019. For two years, I began working with UNICEF in Ukraine, to build orphanages for the children who lost their families in the war. I could not return to Ukraine in 2020 because of COVID 19. So this project is my volunteer work to help Ukraine and thank you, thank you all so much for the support. This podcast now is ranked number one on Apple podcasts about Ukraine, top 100 Travel podcasts in Switzerland, top 60 Travel podcasts in the UK, top 60 In Norway, top 30 in Italy, top 30 in the Netherlands, top 30 In Spain, oh my god, top 25 Travel podcasts on Apple Russia top 20 on Apple, Poland and top 10 in South Korea. So thank you, I'm grateful to you please keep supporting as well as follow the new Instagram page about this project at Aziz dot future. My guest today is father Volodymyr mulching from theological studies at the Pontifical Oriental Institute to philosophy at St. Basil college seminary to summer theological school at the St. Andrews biblical theological Institute to magna cum laude in medical ethics at Ateneo. Regina Apostolorum to licencia degree with summa cum laude from the Pontifical Gregorian University, from being a tour guide in English, Ukrainian and Russian, of the visitors of St. Peter's tomb and their St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, to a senior teacher at SpeakUp learning systems Ukraine to a professor of dogmatic theology of the superior Institute of religious sciences of St. Thomas Aquinas, to the head of patriarchal Korea, at ugcc patriarchal Korea to a territorial chaplain and one among the first of the Knights of Columbus order in Ukraine to be in a professor of dogmatic Theology at the key of three holy hierarchs spiritual seminary to Vice Chancellor for over a decade, then head of development department at the Ukrainian Greek Catholic church, but we are called Korea as Head of Development and Communications Office Vice Chancellor of the Korea of major Archbishop of Kyiv halasz elaborating on financial sustainability, fundraising campaigns and communication strategies. We will speak about various topics, which may or may not include the ugcc chers history of perseverance and resilience, social ministry helping people in need online ministry reaching out to people ugcc As a global church and married priesthood Reverend, how are you today?
Fr. Volodymyr Malchyn 4:41
I'm very good, thank you. How are you?
Abdulaziz M Alhamdan 4:44
I am great, honored and happy and to begin sharing your voice and your story with everyone who is listening. I am curious about something which is very important. You your choice to follow with The path of the Korea is a choice that often comes from a moment of realization or deep belief that comes either from history, or from watching a lot of struggle and perseverance to your community, or even one day you had a moment that changed your life, if you can begin by sharing that, as well as the history of perseverance of the church. So to you personally, the day that made you decide, I will follow this path as well as about the church.
Fr. Volodymyr Malchyn 5:35
Okay, sure. Well, I would like to begin with my personal story that I was born in western Ukraine to a Greek Catholic family. But back then, the church was still outlawed, and we were not allowed to profess our faith publicly. So that means that I had to be baptized secretly. And it was only at the beginning of the 90s, that our church was legalized. And right in my childhood, I was considering seriously vocation to priesthood. And I was very lucky to be admitted to St. Basil college seminary, in the United States. That's a Ukrainian Catholic seminary, opened by Most Reverend Bishop, Basil Lawson. And after that, I was sent to studies to Rome. And when I returned from my studies, having obtained STL degree that is sacred theology, life Sanskrit. I was called to serve in Korea. So your first question, whether that was my choice? Yes, but you actually don't choose to serve in the Korea but actually, you're called to serve. And I was invited to serve in the Korea by blessed memory, his Beatitude, Cardinal Lubomir rules are, and it was really, really, very exciting experience, to serve along along this man and help him in the Chancery, but also to be able to witness his wisdom and the way he related to other people. So that's briefly my story.
Abdulaziz M Alhamdan 7:40
Thank you. I'm, that opens up a lot of more philosophical questions. I hope you'll take notes because there will be two, you said his wisdom with dealing with others to you, since you're a professor and I can ask you for definitions. How do you define wisdom, when relating to others when it comes to being irreverent or part of the ugcc? Like, what would be characteristics and descriptions that define that word? Wisdom? That is one. And second, you have experienced Catholicism and Greek culture solipsism in Ukraine, in the US, and in Rome? What could be a bit of cultural differences you notice between all three way, pasts or ways to express faith that you found interesting?
Fr. Volodymyr Malchyn 8:39
Yes, sure. Well, let's begin with the first definition of a verse Damn. And that's obviously it got gifted, one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the path that God provides for human beings to follow his calling. And in our tradition, we have a special notion of Sophia, that is God's wisdom that we cultivate in a special way. So that means when we are listening to God's voice, his precepts and build our life accordingly. That means that we can strive for perfection, to be really children of God, but also this notion of wisdom, Sophia, it also has a social dimension, meaning that we do not only reach the sanctity and fullness of our personal life, but we can also implement these ideas in society as such. So wisdom, it's not only about personal growth, but that's a special gift have to be related to other people have to recognize good If in other people how to be able to collaborate with other people for the higher goal, so I will say that the summary of all of these is what makes Sofia wisdom, so special in, in life of every priest, I will say even of every Christian because of wisdom, it's not only a gift reserved to special one, but God provides the this gift for everyone who is able, and who is willing to embrace it. Now, second part of your question, cultural differences that I was lucky to experience on a different continents, that was really, really God's blessing for me, because you can imagine, I had joined the seminary at the age of 17. And it was the year in 1998, when I first stepped into St. Basil color Seminary in the United States. And back then, it was completely different world. As you can imagine, coming from a small village in western Ukraine, and finding myself in the United States, it was really like a different reality. And let me show it by one simple example. I remember my first class at St. Basil scholarship, it was English composition class. And right after that class, obviously, everything was in English, our task was to write a one page composition, and it has to be typed. But can you imagine that at that time, I've seen a computer a couple of times in my life, but I never knew really half the time. So it was a real challenge for me, not only to understand my English teacher, to understand my homework, but also to do it in such a special way. So the challenge was big, I managed it. But now I think, for example, of young people in Ukraine, who are very capable in computer science in using computers, but back then, it was completely completely different reality. Now, the reality in the United States was a good experience, first experience to get to know the global Catholic Church, that it is not only confined to one nation, to one country, but it is really a really abroad, it's a communion of different people coming from different nations, and everyone is contributing with his or her own, to the richness of that faith. But this global vision of the church was even better experienced in Rome, in Italy, where you have a chance to see people almost from every corner of the globe. So my experience in Rome, it was really, really an experience of
Catholic universal global church. And in those circumstances, you also recognize better your own church. So the during these theological studies during my seminary information, I will say that disease abroad experience was very helpful to appreciate even more my own short, and as you mentioned, at the beginning, the history of persecution, the history of perseverance, also the history of resilience. All of these made me admire my church, even better. So I think combination of all of this made me convinced that my place after the status and road should be in Ukraine. So I wasn't hesitant for one minute I was saying, to come back and serve in Ukraine, because I knew that it was a place where I had to be.
Abdulaziz M Alhamdan 14:20
Thank you very wonderful. And please take notes again, because there are so many things that I'm curious about now. One, and please correct me if I'm wrong, it seems to me that you are a very keen observant of people, whether it was the blessed man who called you to join the Korea and you're observed his wisdom with dealing with people or in the Vatican observant people from all over the world, or in the US, and probably I'm sure in Ukraine, so is Are you a person who is very socially people oriented, which can be said that many people in the history of the church, although of course, they serve people, but they're more intellectually oriented. And they live in a world of thought and intellect. But it seems to me that you begin with the heart and with the people and learning from observation of people first, and books, and maybe canonic studies, etc. Second, so that's one, please comment on whether this is true. Second, you mentioned I was lucky three times. So I have to ask you, what is your definition of lucky, because there are a lot of thoughts in church that there is a path that is predetermined in many ways. And therefore luck is not really such a concept that applies, but rather, that there are moments in life that you were meant to be transformed or to change. And in many ways, they're not like, it's God's will, which you can be speaking about, since you're the expert. And finally, is you sad? It's about listening to the inner voice or the voice of God. So I want you to share, is it something that you experience all the time? Or do you need to be in some specific prayer or meditative states that make you able to listen to that voice? As well as how do you deal with some situations where the voice might tell you something? That all objective facts tell you? It's wrong? But the, the voice tells you? It's right. And did you have experiences where in the end that turned out to be the correct thing to do? Or? I mean, how do you deal with it? Because in theology, there are many ways to think about this. But then, if it's wrong, well, maybe you didn't hear loudly enough, or maybe when it's when you suffer, that was the lesson that you needed to learn at the time. So I would like you to speak about this kind of situation a bit more. And thank you.
Fr. Volodymyr Malchyn 17:11
Well, first of all, I would like to say that you're asking me, whether I'm an observing person. But I should say that you are really an observing person. And no wonder that you are number one, podcast host, because you notice that I mentioned the word lucky for three times. So you're right, that it's not strictly theological concept. But for me, it was the way to show that probably, I didn't deserve such opportunities in my life, I have never drank to a mile childhoods that I would have education in the United States in England and working in the Korea. But you're absolutely right, that at the end, it was a God's will for me. And
God offers a lot of opportunities in our lives. But we have to embrace and accept those opportunities. You know, there is a famous saying, carpet, IBM sees the third day, even though it doesn't come from a Christian context. But still, it reveals something very profound, that you have to use the opportunities God provides for you. Now, in our Christian tradition, very important is the concept of discernment, God's will, that is listening to what God is telling to you. And obviously, these words comes directly from within you. It's not only intellectual, it's not only emotional, but it embraces your whole being. So obviously, a person has to be in deep connection with God, through prayer through way of life, to be able to hear his voice. And I will say that our whole life, we are learning how to do that. But there are some, you know, important stages at your life, when you have to make a decision. And if you do it according to God's well, then you will be happy. And then you will make other people around you happy. So I think that it was God's will for me to do this theological studies. And it was precisely to prepare me better for a better service in Ukraine. So that's how I see it now. Now, regarding the observing our other people. And the difference between, you know, being social and being more input person, I would say that I'm more inward person, but it doesn't make me closed in myself. That is, you always deal with other people, because Christianity is about sharing your faith. And obviously, you cannot share it with your own self, you have to talk to other people you have to learn from other people, like I did in my life from Cardinal awards are, for example. But Christianity is not strictly about books, about ideas. It's about the way of life implemented in practice. Although I should mention that when I returned to Ukraine, more than 10 years ago, it was kind of a challenge for me, because that was a different country, I left when I was 17. So I needed some time, for adjustment, so to speak. But now, despite all of the challenges in Ukraine, despite all the problems, I hear, I am very optimistic about our country. And that's especially in relation to a lot of promising young people who are very honest, just professional, and who are capable of transforming our country into a leader in tomorrow's world. And that's not only about the well being material well being but also, so I'm very optimistic about what we can do for the rest of the world from spiritual point of view, various we can reach here, somehow decline in church attendance in Europe, in North America, in Ukraine, but there is still very big respect for the church. And the church is the most trusted institution in the Ukrainian society. So in this way, I think that young priests, young sisters, brothers, that they can help transform society we are living in.
Abdulaziz M Alhamdan 22:29
Thank you so much. That was very, a very valuable answer. And I have a few things that I'm curious about. In Christian mysticism, there is an anonymous book from the 14th century, called the Cloud of Unknowing. And to summarize, the idea is actually when you stay confused. That's the optimal state to hear the voice of God, according to the those mistakes, of course, while many people go to the church to get answers and certainty, which would be another state that is actually a state that is not of opening, but when you have the answer, you already decided and deciding, I'm pretty sure you're very familiar with who enlightened when they find a means to kill or to cut off all other options. So do you how do you relate on a personal level to this? Do you feel certainty? And that you have all the answers? And that is the state that you chase? Or do you agree with those Christian mystics who say, actually, when you're confused, and your mind doesn't have an answer, if you stay with that, as long as possible, true wisdom will open up to you. That's one. And I know that a lot. You mentioned that. The second church attendance is growing in Ukraine, compared to other parts of Europe, where it's declining. I would like to ask you about the current situation of the ugcc in Ukraine, as well as what adaptation or effect effects the Coronavirus had on the church and the church's services, and impact and attendance that the second and the final one. You said better service. And you mentioned service three times again, which means it's very important. And you mentioned this about making other people happy and sharing your faith. Well, what does better service really mean to you? And even someone who's not part of the Korea might understand those principles and better serve people from whatever place they are in society and second, humans are born with a state and a level of selfishness. So for you to be selflessly serving, is that something that you were born with this aptitude, or what did you do? To overcome human selfishness so that you enjoy sharing and giving, without expecting any return from any human, even if you're disappointed, you still love her the person who disappointed you
Fr. Volodymyr Malchyn 25:17
adjacencies are both very exciting. And I will say, very challenging in some way questions, but I will try to manage them. So first of all, regarding a certainty, when you are dealing with God's will, obviously you cannot approach God saying that I know everything, and you just have to confirm my answers. So this way of knowing God's will, it foresees that you do not know everything, only God knows everything as the highest being, but you are asking him, please show me the way please guide me. And very often this guidance, it goes as the Christian mystics say through dark night venue, actually, you have to abandon yourself completely to God's providence, without seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak. But carrying trust that you are in God's hands, provides you with this courage to move forward and finally to reach to your destination. So that's answering your first question. And I would say that's a sort of paradigm for our church when it existed during the communist regime in the underground, that is, our priests secretly attended homes of Greek Catholics, they celebrated liturgies administered sacraments, but they never knew, then there would be a moment of their free existence vantara openly will be able to celebrate liturgies, but still, thank you, they had to be there with their faithful in those conditions and serve them in a better way. So what does it mean? A better service, better service? And you're absolutely right, that serving your neighbor, being God's hands for those people. And obviously, the most obvious part of this service is social service or social ministry. And the church was always helping people in need look at Pope Francis, ver, he is speaking louder with his actions than with his words. He doesn't only say love your neighbor, but he shows specifically is the way he treats immigrants, the way he treats poor people inviting others to take care of them. So our church 30 years after its emergence from the catacombs, I would say is very active in social ministry. It's expanding its network of social service in different parts of Ukraine. It's also becoming more professional, I would say, in organizing this social ministry because it's not only person to person but also providing special programs for people in in a need. But another part of this service, I will say it's working for the transformation of Ukrainian society. Because for us, evangelization that is preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ is also working for the transformation of the society we are living in that is making it better just society where every human being can realize his or her potential. And all of this obviously has to be inspired by selfless love, and this love, it shows only the way God loves us. He doesn't love us for something for what we do, but just because we exist. So we are called in this way to serve every person and you said whether I achieved that way or not. Obviously, there is still way, way a long way to go for every person to become even better because our life it's a a continuing journey, continuing to challenge but Uh, if we know what do we want to attain with God's help? This is possible, I think,
Abdulaziz M Alhamdan 30:07
thank you so much great answers, actually. And I don't know whether you watch movies or not, but Martin Scorsese and 2016, they created a great movie called silence. It's about Christian faith being prosecuted in Japan. And I highly recommend it to the listener as well as to you. It's a great movie about perseverance about not knowing when freedom will happen, and all the emotional challenges that the evangelical priests who went to Japan, as well as the Christian people who were in Japan, during the times where they were killed, in horrible ways, what they experienced, then it's a powerful movie. Well, okay, a few things, which I'm curious about, because in many spiritual kinds of schools of thought as well, not just in church, they say this, look, God loves you just because you exist. But then the criticism that people will say, Yes, and you say that people should achieve their potential, but what would be the motivation for them to do if they already arrived? If you know what I mean? If you already have all the love? Why would you need to act or try more especially that they will argue that human beings act more out of from a sense of fear, and a sense of fear of missing out and of loss and of pain? Especially I heard one religious person who was asked this question, and it touched me really. So I'll ask you the same. But I'll tell you the story. He said, which one is more, he was asked which one is more important to feel the love and the love of God or to fear him? And his answer was to fear God. And he didn't say anything after that. But he was, I guess, coming from that school of thought that when you fear God, you will act. But if you love him, it's the same as Machiavelli, where he says, it's better to be feared than to be loved. I guess that's the story, in the book, the prince that he mentioned, and relate to this religious person. So that's one and one other one, which is totally different. But I was reading one time that someone had an essay about the concept of selling your soul to the devil. And I know we're taking another turn here, but it's important, and that person was arguing look, you do not own your soul. So how can you sell it? That was the main point I want to ask in your church? Is there that American stereotype where in many movies, you see the concept of selling your soul to the devil? Is that something that is there in the Catholic Greek church? And if so, what is your comment on that you don't own your soul. So of course, your you cannot sell it at all. And finally, any stories that touch your heart when it comes to people that the church has helped, or that you personally have impacted with your service and words.
Fr. Volodymyr Malchyn 33:14
I'm glad that you mentioned about a movie of Martin Scorsese. And I like, I'd like to share with you and our listeners. My dream. I would like to see one day, a movie of a very high quality, let's say Hollywood style movie about one of our great church men that we are Yosef sleeping. I don't know if you know his story. But I'm inviting you to explore historic because after our church was outlawed, he was sent to Siberian gulags, and he spent a couple of decades they're persevering. But he returned to Rome. And then he became head of head of the torture. So I think his personal story story of resilience of perseverance is really worth to be shown in a popular movie. So who knows? Maybe someone who is listening to us will get interested in that and will help us to do that. And maybe Martin Scorsese, who knows here will be inspired also, to get interested in the story because you know, when we are watching movies in Ukraine, about heroes who really changed their human history, like Nelson Mandela, Gandhi, V, or ever that we shall have courageous people like these for example, patriarchy also sleeping and His story is really, really convincing for modern society. Now, coming back to the second question about whether you can arrive and reach your goal, I don't think that you can completely attain your goal here during your earthly journey. Because for us Christians, our existence here, it's only a preparation for continuing over life with God in afterlife. So I don't think anyone can say, Oh, I finally reached the, I've done everything of what I had to do, because there is always greater that you can do, there is always higher level that every person can attain. And only in God, who is allowed in Himself is the highest goal. But we as human beings, we are only nearing closer, but still will never reach here during the earthly journey. Obviously, we have good examples of saints are those people who were really transformed by God's grace, and who were embodying God's presence on Earth. So that's our goal to become Saint persons. But obviously, you will never say, Oh, I'm a saint. Now I don't have to do anything, I can relax. No, that's, that's wrong. Because every, every day, there is something to do more and enough, really, to the questions of your soul, and fight with the devil. Yes, our Christian tradition reminds us that there is constant battle
for our soul, yet, because there is a fight between good forces and evil forces. And once again, by the process of discernment, we have to listen to this inner voice and to decide whether we are choosing one or another way. But it's not that popular, I will say this idea of selling one soul, obviously, temptations falling into sin that's present in the life of human beings. But on the other hand, we have a very great instrument provided by God for us. That's an instrument of confession, when you fall down, but you come to the sacrament of confession, and you are absolved of your saints. So in my life, as a priest, I think that's the most the most powerful sign of God's presence in human lives. Obviously, as a Catholic priest, I cannot tell you any stories of what I've heard during confessions, because that's forbidden. But one thing I can tell you that's really, very powerful instrument, how God heals human souls, including my own soul, which needs also mercy. As a priest, I go to confession, as well. The bulk are from bishops patriarch, they also go to confession. Why, because we all need God's mercy. So I will say that all of that is the most powerful instrument of God's mercy and God's presence in our lives.
Abdulaziz M Alhamdan 38:50
Thank you very, very much. And please take more notes, because this is wonderful. And it reminds me the story of that person that was sent to the Gulag I cannot pronounce his name correctly, but if you please can share the story, as well. It reminds me of Victor Frankel's book Man's Search for Meaning where he was sent to the Nazi concentration camps. And he was a psychologist and came with something called logo therapy. And in it, he noticed the difference between people who persevered versus those who died and gave up quickly is that the people who persevered had a meaning to their life that kept them alive, where others who gave up is because they thought they had no reason to stay alive. And that was the biggest killer of the people in the concentration camps more than even the Nazis. It's the hopelessness. So I am sure that faith is a great source of meaning in life, which is what Viktor Frankl was speaking about. Second And you said that God is the highest goal? Well, in Greek Orthodox, I'm pretty sure there is something called being easel crystals, which is clear, crisp, equivalent as the highest goal to attain? Well, according to what you said, even saints don't attain that, while since you study theology and probably did comparative studies, what is your perspective on this concept of ease of restores? And whether it's something that applies, as well as, what is the level of importance of meditation, and the Greek Catholic Church because I know, in at least the Greek Orthodox, I'm not, I don't know exactly in Ukraine, how it is. But outside, it's meditation, to arrive to enlightenment or easily restore state, that is the path to God. Also, you said, saints, are God's presence on Earth, or at least they embody it? Do you believe in that concept, when you meet someone, you can sense their level of God's presence, as you said, whether for some people, it's less, and some people is more? And are you more of an empathic person who can sense that kind of presence in people in general, and I'm gonna mention the Sisyphus in the Greek mythology and that his punishment was to stay in hell, lifting a boulder uphill forever and ever, and at the end of the day, the boulder will fall down, and he will continue to again. And even if you think about the brain, repetitive task and routine, there is, of course, hedonistic adaptation as well as the dopamine does not fire in the brain, if you're repeating the same thing. It needs newness. So how do you keep motivated, if you said, every day, there is more to do, but in reality, everyday, there is more to do that is more of the same to create that concept of 1% better in a day, or the Japanese, and Asian chi then. And I would like your comment on this. And you said, that confession is heals the human soul, which is wonderful. But some people say that the concept of Original Sin means that you cannot really be healed, that you're forever a thinner until some day when you get to heaven, and then you'll be totally absolved, but that the sin doesn't really go away. So is this healing, somewhat of a temporary kind of healing until your next confession? Or is it that you arrive at the next level of of being blessed, and that the next time you're getting healed, but it's from a higher place? I would love your comment on this. And thank you.
Fr. Volodymyr Malchyn 42:58
Well, these are very exciting questions, with a very global perspective from different religions. And but let's try to do it one at a time. So first of all, I'm glad you mentioned Viktor Frankl. He's actually one of the most one of my favorite authors, especially as to his concept of discovering meaning in one's life, which helps you to go through the most severe challenges like he himself experienced during the Nazi persecution, but I think that the patriarchy also of slipway that was precisely for him the reason? Because he knew exactly what was the meaning of his life, to leave his church to be the leader for His church. And even when he returned from Soviet prisons, and he stayed in Rome. He founded for example, the Ukrainian Catholic University, and at some point he told his collaborators to bring to collect books. And imagine it was in 1970s, when the Soviet Union was still very stronger. So other groups were wondering, your beatitude what, what are you doing? He said, Well, we need to get ready when Ukraine becomes independent. And we will have open seminaries, we need to help books for the seminary. And so can you imagine this vision and also this trust, that the Empire of evil will not be eternal that With God's grace that Ukraine will become independent and our church will be legalized again and the churches will be open? So I think there's also a characteristic of patriarchy also slippery he has global vision also knowing exactly What was his meaning and that's what helped him to persevere during the persecution and to be a role model for other priests not to give up, because you know, that our priests, they've, they are offered either to join, for example, Russian Orthodox Church, or to go to Soviet camps, and a lot of them have chosen the second way, because for them that was also showing their, their faithfulness to the Pope or from to the Catholic Church and to being in communion with, with Catholics around the world. Now, second question is very interesting how to become this altar, we use Latin phrase either Christos, that is another Christ. And
what comes to my mind is that human beings can really know who they are through the Jesus Christ, because according to Christian theology, God became men to show men, he has whinging to God, we call it this concept of Datafication, or Theosis, in Greek theology, that is God embraces human flesh becomes one of us, to help us return to God, after the fall of the original sin, and I do not agree with the definition that you mentioned, that original sin will be eventually washed up only in afterlife, because according to Christian teaching, Original Sin is washed away by the sacrament of baptism. So that's, that shows the victory, Christ has attained over the death, he freed men from seeing them. And it's possible to attain this victory as well. But obviously, it's not the end of the story. Because even though the original design is washed away, as human pets continues, and we still have to fight temptations not to give in, and that's probably the answer to your question, how do we get motivated, vi vi do not get discouraged, I would say, because we know that the victory has already been attained in one person in Jesus Christ. So whatever, you will come up our way, whatever are the difficult circumstances, there is someone who makes us stronger, that is the Jesus Christ. And that's all about Christian life, to become like him to be his presence in the world.
Abdulaziz M Alhamdan 48:11
Thank you. And I wish you have mentioned a bit about feeling his presence and people that whether you can feel that in different levels. And I would like to comment what you spoke about the collection of books, there is a saying I think is very relevant here, which is to live your life, as if you will be alive forever, but to live for your afterlife, as if you'll die tomorrow. So that is the balance that I think he was embodying when he was working hard. And being a true hero and leader of the church, which brings me to a leader of the church. In many ways. Some people and I might say more in America will think a leader is someone who makes all the decisions by himself, who believes he is the source of power, who might be a bit arrogant, etc. But I know that in church, it probably comes from serving out of humbleness. So can you define what is leadership when it comes to the church way, as well as a very interesting concept, which you saw, mentioned to speak about, it's married priesthood, how does that work in a way where there are branches of the church where that is not allowed? And is that something that you find makes you more in touch with humanity so you can speak with people knowing about the married life etc, and the challenges so there is more of compassion and empathy and there and how does it work in general?
Fr. Volodymyr Malchyn 49:53
Okay, great. So first of all, the concept of leadership. Jesus Christ I just told His disciples, if you want to be a leader, first of all, you have to learn how to serve the others and those who want to be the first one, they will be the last ones. And the last one will be the first ones. So basically, for Christianity, leadership is all about servant leadership. And you're absolutely right, that only by humble servant to others, that you can become a great leader, not a dictatorial type of leader when you command when you give orders. But then, you know, because a leader is someone who leads, a leader has to have a vision, vertigo, and to know the paths how to reach it. And he becomes a natural leader, people are attracted to him, because they know that following these men, they will not go astray. So I like especially this concept of servant leadership. Because I think it's not only about the church teaching, it can be also applied in corporate culture. And our days vary, you can become a better leader, by being a servant, that you are not above the people, but you are with the people and helping them to reach a higher potential. So that's really a very, very special concept, which can be used not only by Christians, but all those who are called to leadership position. And now second, very interesting question about married priesthood, it's actually tradition of Eastern churches, going back to apostolic times, with the tradition of having married clergy, and I, myself, have chosen these paths, once again, after a period of discernment. And I must tell that I'm really I feel myself as a blessed person being a married priests. Why because I often say that being a father helps to be a better priest. Why because priesthood is fatherhood, people, called priests in Christian tradition, Catholic Orthodox, they call them fathers, and the you can become a better father, lead people to spiritual life, when you are a father to your children, and you know, all their problems, all the difficulties, but still, you love them. Without special demands, like God, the Father loves us. And I think the This makes makes married priests to understand better some of the problems, I wouldn't say all of the problems, but some of the problems of family life, because for example, when marriage, people come to confession, you understand better what they mean, because you yourself experienced that in your family, and yet, with God's help you help them to overstep that, obviously, in married priesthood, very important use of the role of priests to vie for that, because it's also a special vocation to share in that ministry to help priests to raise kids in Christian way but the in, in my family,
we have three kids. And but we try to raise them responsible yet three Christians, that is without imposing because you know that the another challenge might be that are because you're priests, children, you have to be a saint right away. And you have to do this and that because your father is a priest, but then we undermine freedom of children. So I tried to raise my children, first of all, to avert that freedom. It's a great gift of God, God wants us to be happy. And he if you choose to live with Him, you will become happy. And you have you don't have to do this because your father priest tells you to do that. But it has to be your choice. So sometimes I allow I allow them to say no to certain things, for example, but then I see how they choose the right things. And that's their choice. One choice, and not my own imposition.
Abdulaziz M Alhamdan 55:03
Thank you so much. This was a wonderful conversation. It could go on for a long, long time. But I want to respect your time. I know you're busy. So to conclude, can you share two things? Three, actually, but very simple things. One, what projects is the ugcc working on right now, back end, if people want to be involved, or to communicate with you or with the church? What are the best links to do that? And finally, about Ukraine. If you were to say some things to describe Ukraine to the world, what would you say? So the church is the project this church is working on how to be involved with it if people want to, and finally about Ukraine, and how you describe Ukraine and Ukrainian people to the world.
Fr. Volodymyr Malchyn 55:57
Okay, so, first of all, the projects that Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church is involved with, that's actually my one of my responsibilities in Korea, to find financial resources to be able to implement these projects. And obviously, for those who are interested in supporting our social ministry, our pastoral ministry, our ministry abroad, I could give more details, but you can look up the activity of our church online. Going to www ugcc.org dot u A, that's the official web page of our church. And one another thing I would like to mention is that during this call with the time restrictions times, it was very big challenge for all churches globally, including our church. But still, thanks, thanks to the activity of our information department, and especially our live broadcast production studio called Shiva TV, that is live TV, if you were able to be in communication through this modern means of communications with hundreds 1000s of our people, can you imagine that? Even until today, we have a practice of online rosary at 8pm. Where from 15 to 20,000 people daily, join these online prayers. That's really amazing. And that's something we were able to discover only during this call it restrictions because previously, when everybody could go to their own churches, there was no need to get connected so much online. But nowadays, that's in some churches, that's the only way to be in touch with other Christians to be united in prayer. So that's, I think, one of the most exciting projects of our church and we are looking for vav RV have a big support from our institutional donors and bro like random vobis Church in Need. American Bishops Conference, Italian Bishops Conference. But still, there are very interesting more projects that we would like to implement, especially related to formation of youth leaders, the formation of responsible leaders for so called agents of change, who will make Ukraine a better place. And finally, the way I view Ukraine, I will say in Ukraine is really beautiful. You have to discover it yourself. You have to come to visit us. But mostly you have to be in touch with the Ukrainian people to discover their soul and Ukrainian soul that's something special, probably you yourself, you've experienced that, because that's the reason why you want to help a podcast show on the Ukraine. But once you're in touch with it, it makes you more joyful. It I think it could also provide additional meaning in your life. So my message is to get in touch with Ukraine and voice the Ukrainians.
Abdulaziz M Alhamdan 59:33
Thank you so much rent. It was an honor, a pleasure. And I wish you a blessed and a great day.
Fr. Volodymyr Malchyn 59:40
Thank you. The pleasure is mine. And God bless you in your endeavor.
