On Oct. 21, King’s College was honored to welcome Archbishop Borys Gudziak, president of the Ukrainian Catholic University and Metropolitan-Archbishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia. The Archbishop delivered a lecture as part of the Saint Francis Day of Peace Celebration.
Archbishop Gudziak is the highest-ranking Ukrainian Catholic bishop in the United States and serves as president of the Ukrainian Catholic University—the first Catholic university established in the former Soviet Union. A Harvard-trained historian and theologian, he travels globally to deliver lectures on theology, human dignity, and educational reform.
The Saint Francis Day of Peace Lecture at King’s is held each year to remember and celebrate Saint Francis and his legacy of peace. It is one of the events the King’s community looks forward to annually and is hosted by the McGowan Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility.
Founded in 2012, the McGowan Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility succeeds two earlier ethics centers at King’s College. The center hosts more than ten public events each year, including seven annual lectures or symposia—the Saint Francis Day of Peace Lecture being one of them.
Archbishop Gudziak spoke about Ukraine’s rich spirit, the country’s centuries-long history under Russian rule, and its struggle for peace amid ongoing war. He reflected on how Ukraine, though small in size, has a large population and has been attacked by powerful nations seeking to claim its land and rights.
The Archbishop said that the wars of today are caused by people in power “not wanting to live the gift, but taking and holding on to others’ rights.” He reminded the audience that standing for peace often requires sacrifice, and advised people to “stay informed, pray, and help.”
“The part that resonated most with me during the lecture was the inclusion of photos the Archbishop took during his most recent visit to Ukraine,” said Allison Malone. “The pictures showed unimaginable tragedy and destruction—homes reduced to rubble and the sheer grief on the faces of families in cemeteries. It helped me see how the Church plays a vital role in restoring humanity and meeting basic needs in the lives of those who have lost everything.”
She added, “Closer to home, I see connections between the war in Ukraine and the political polarization in U.S. society. I believe any effort to recognize people’s humanity or struggle can be a meaningful way for the Church to act as peacemakers.”
