Russia is escalating the conflict in Ukraine.
Ukrainians across the capital of Kyiv are mobilizing and volunteering to defend their city in any way they can.
The situation in Ukraine will be a major part of President Biden’s first State of the Union address.
By Jessica Easthope and Bill Miller
In the 6th Century, Holy Scripture was widely available — that is, if one could afford to buy a Bible, and could actually read it.
Those who could do neither relied on icons depicting the ministry of Jesus Christ — the Gospel — so that all might learn of God’s plan for their salvation. But someone had to draw or paint these scenes, which became the mission of “iconographers.”
But an icon is not simply a picture. It is a physical representation of the Gospel itself, so iconographers don’t paint — they “write” images that convey the Word of God.
Now, some 1,400 years later, iconographers are still busy.
Among them is Ayman Fayez, of Cairo, Egypt, who has spent the past few months creating icons for the Resurrection Coptic Catholic Church in Park Slope, Brooklyn. His twin brother, Father Francis Fayez, has been the pastor there since 2013.
“I am very proud,” Father Fayez said of his brother and his work. “In 2014 he started working for us with some articles, and every year he makes one for us.”
But during his most recent visit — he arrived last September — Fayez has completed several works which were scheduled for a special blessing on Friday, Feb. 11, by Auxiliary Bishop James Massa.
The works include a large depiction of the burial of Jesus, which will be displayed at the church on Good Friday.
Fayez also recently completed the dome above the tabernacle, which now has three triangular panels depicting three Gospel passages.
Perfecting the Technique
Moving right to left, the first panel shows the Nativity (Matthew 1:18-25), the middle represents the triumph of Jesus’s crucifixion, as he descended into hell to rescue lost souls (I Peter 4:6, Ephesians 4:9) — in this depiction, Adam and Eve; and, finally images of Jesus ascending into heaven, leaving his disciples on earth to begin the early Church (Acts 1: 6-11).
Fayez makes his living as a film director and producer in Egypt. He painted as a boy, but began “writing” icons in 1987. Iconography that emerged during the Byzantine Empire is his preferred style.
Next, he continued perfecting the technique under the teachings of an Italian nun, a French priest and the Greek artist, Theodoros Papadopoulos.
Fayez, speaking through an interpreter, explained that he prefers working in the Byzantine style because to him, it is more realistic, more spiritual, and thus, more sacred — a fitting way to write the Gospel.
He works only with paints from the earth — finely-ground pigments from rocks, and whenever possible, egg yolks and water, which are created by God. Oils or acrylics aren’t used because they’re manmade.
“Any scripture in the Bible can be written as an icon,” Fayez said. “And it’s the words in the Bible that guide what (I do) in the icon, from the colors to the way (I) draw, it is all gotten from the Bible. Every color has a meaning. The way in which the hand gestures are drawn has a meaning, and it all stems from the Bible.”
Divine Inspiration
Since scripture is divinely inspired, so are the artistic efforts of an iconographer. He begins each project with deep prayer, and opens himself to guidance by the Holy Spirit. He also relies on his brother, Father Fayez, to keep him on track if he ever veers off the path of theological accuracy.
For example, Fayez said there are numerous works of art that show Jesus emerging from the tomb during the Resurrection.
Fayez noted this particular scene was not described in the Bible. Therefore, he works with what is in scripture, like the mentions of Jesus descending into hell between his burial and the resurrection.
Thus, the iconographer is not an artist, but an actual vessel used by God, Fayez said.
“The icon, in general, is a human interpretation of the signs that are in the Bible,” Fayez said. “Because the iconographer doesn’t draw from his imagination. He gets his facts, his images, his pictures, all from the Bible. So it’s basically the Bible talking through the iconographer, and then it turns up in an icon.”
Monsignor Sean G. Ogle’s Homily from Tuesday’s Mass on 3/1/22
Bishop Robert Brennan celebrated a special Mass this weekend with the Ukrainian community at Guardian Angel Church in Brighton Beach.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan also attended an emotional Mass on Sunday at St. George Ukrainian Catholic church in Manhattan.
The Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, says the Holy See is ready to mediate between Russia and Ukraine.
Currents News Staff
It took this Ukrainian disaster to spark a world diplomacy not seen for 40 years. The United Nations’ Secretary General Antonio Guterres spoke about the fighting.
“The fighting in Ukraine must stop,” he said.The U.N. General Assembly held an emergency meeting for the first time since 1982 condemning Russia’s attacks and supporting Ukraine sovereignty, calling for peace.
“For the first time since the UN was born, there is a full-fledged war in the center of Europe,” said Sergiy Kyslytsya.
War images emerge from all over the country. Attacks appear to be on a section of Kharkiv. Outside Kyiv are signs of losses for Russia. Ukrainians are fighting after being inspired by their president’s rallying calls.
“He is our president. He is our leader. He is leader of the armed forces of Ukraine,” said Taras Ischyk, a Member and Spokesperson of the Territorial Defense Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
More fallout continued. Moscow’s stock exchange closed Monday when economic sanctions caused the ruble to lose nearly a third of its value. Russia closed its airspace to airlines from 36 countries while Ukraine and Russia held talks in Belarus amid fears troops from Belarus could support Russia.
The U.N. now estimates more than half a million people have fled Ukraine seeking safety with their homeland and very much still in danger.
Currents News Staff
Many Ukrainians are fleeing their country, leaving behind their entire lives and not knowing if they’ll ever return.
Little hands clutch bigger ones that would give anything just to keep them safe. Sleepy tiny cold faces rest in tired arms. The hum of voices you would expect from the number of people that are here – iit doesn’t exist. It’s as if the shock and disbelief has brought with it an odd silence.
It’s mostly women and children here. Men aged 18 to 60 are not allowed to leave. The people here had to say goodbye to husbands, brothers, and fathers. Then there is the sheer hell of getting here. walking for hours waiting in some cases for days out in the bitter cold, hungry, thirsty.
Ajmal and his family fled Afghanistan last May, getting asylum in Ukraine. His seven-year-old daughter barely made it here.
“It’s very, very cold and my daughter come to shock,” Ajmal said. “We calling she not answer. Finally we try to contact ambulance. The ambulance comes and they checking and they gave us a chance to go there first.”
She clutches one of the donated stuffed animals, replacing a similar one she left behind. But who is going to give her the rest of her life back?
At least this time – unlike in years past – Europe is welcoming refugees. There is a massive, inhumane backlog on the Ukrainian side – but once they finally arrive in Poland, an army of volunteers.
At the train station, a seven-year-old hugs his mother, hiding his face. That’s because he’s not used to the crowds, it’s all scary and confusing.
They’ve been waiting two days here. Her mother is in Kyiv. It’s tearing her apart – but at least her husband – who is not Ukrainian, is out with her. For, how do you say goodbye to the love of your life? The father of your children?
One woman is not the only one in tears – others as well, understandably, not wanting to talk because, they say, it makes them cry too much.
Currents News Staff
The images are scary for anyone. But the war in Ukraine may cause worry and even fear in small children who see or hear about the unrest. Here’s some advice from Cleveland Pediatric Psychologist Vanessa Jensen when talking to them: Keep it straightforward.
“It’s far away and that’s something that grownups do — let the grownups take care of this right now, okay. We get to take care of you and then we’ll make sure the adults take care of that. So, sometimes you just need to simplify it,” Vanessa said.
Vanessa said kids of any age can be bothered by what they’re seeing. The images can show up in nightmares and night terrors. She says it’s a good idea to monitor what the children see and guard against showing disturbing images to younger children.
If a child has seen something upsetting, Vanessa says to ask a lot of questions to gauge what they know and how they feel.
“If you see things or hear things that either you wonder about or are just kind of scary, let’s talk about it,” she says. “Help them normalize those thoughts. It’s OK to feel kind of scared that this is happening in our world.”
If a child is feeling unsafe, Vanessa says it might help to show them Ukraine on a map so they see the fighting is far away. No matter your child’s age, she says all children need extra support and reassurance from their parents right now.
Currents News Staff
It’s a celebration of 14 years in the making: America’s Black Holocaust Museum in Milwaukee has finally reopened their doors to the public over the weekend.
Carole Cole was among the first visitors through the doors. She shared the historical moment with her 9-year-old daughter Devonn.
“This is a way that she’ll always be able to see it forever, you know, she’ll always be able to witness it, bring her children and their children,” Carole said.
This would have been the 108th birthday of the museum’s founder, Dr. James Cameron. As a teenager, he became the only known survivor of a lynching. He later went on to educate and inspire generations of others. His son Virgil was there to celebrate the re-opening.
“We did it and I thank you so much,” Virgil said.
First-day visitors, like Duane Kimmey, waited in line before finding themselves captivated by the powerful exhibit.
“It’s very important to know your history and where you came from, and how to move forward,” Duane said.
“I think the spirit of Dr. James Cameron, you can feel it throughout the entire museum,” said Andrea Bernstein.
The museum’s president Robert Davis reflected on both its past and its future.
“We’re finally here,” Robert said. “This day is here.”
The museum was only able to reopen its doors thanks to a 10-million dollar gift from an anonymous donor. That donation will also allow the museum to expand.
By Jessica Easthope
Money and supplies can be sent, voices of support can be heard, but for Ukrainians living in the Diocese of Brooklyn, right now, the most powerful defense in this fight is prayer.
This past weekend, people gathered at Guardian Angel Church in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn for a Mass of solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
“I don’t know how to say it, it’s really great that all the world answered for this and gave us support,” said Father Sergiy Emanuel, the parish administrator.
Fr. Sergiy Emanuel is trying to be strong for his parish community, but like so many of them, he too is worried about his family and trying desperately to get some of them over the border into Poland.
“If I see the pictures, when all the men are crying, I try not to cry,” he said.
His only comfort is knowing the world is standing with his people, especially his shepherd – Bishop Robert Brennan.
“My heart breaks with your heart but we are filled with that same sense of hope and that hope comes to us because of Jesus Christ who faced evil right in the eyes and rose over sin and death,” said Bishop Brennan.
On Sunday, parishioners at Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Williamsburg, Brooklyn marched to Holy Ghost Ukrainian Church to express their unity. Though demonstrations are a display of solidarity, people like Vironika Giacchi want to do more.
“I should be there, every Ukrainian should be there, but I can’t. There are no flights. I try to be as helpful as I can, send money, join protests but I should be there to fight,” she said.
In anticipation of the Russian invasion, Vironika took a first-aid class expecting to go back to Ukraine and help defend her country. But now she’s left with no choice but to stand by her family from 5,000 miles away. Speaking with her mother she said she’s not afraid but ready to fight.
“She said ‘we’re going to fight until we die and we’re not going to give up on the freedom of my country. I’ll die before I become a slave,’ I’m not going to do it,” she said.
Around the globe and in the Diocese of Brooklyn – the prayers for peace continue and so does the hope.
Guardian Angel Church is collecting money along with emergency and medical supplies, anything from bandages to air mattresses can be dropped off at the parish.
Guardian Angel Church
2978 Ocean Parkway
Brooklyn, NY 11235
Currents News Staff
Ukrainians continue to witness scenes of heavy fighting out their windows as Russia continues its invasion of the country.
Those unable to flee the country are taking refuge, in shelters such as subway stations and basements.
The head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Major Archbishop of Kyiv Sviatoslav Shevchuk, has issued a video to the Catholic community sheltering in place.
“Everyone must remain at home to not risk their lives. Therefore, it will be the Church that will come to them,” said Shevchuk.
He is sending Ukrainian Greek Catholic priests to bomb shelters and basements to celebrate the liturgy for the faithful, and is asking them to offer Mass for a special intention.
“Offer Holy Communion for our military. Today, our lives are in their hands. Offer it for the wounded, the marginalized, and for those who have become refugees in this bloody war in Ukraine,” said Shevchuk.
During the first days of the invasion, Archbishop Shevchuk shared that he was taking shelter under the Cathedral in Kyiv, like these people hunkered down under a Church. He thanked Pope Francis for his offer to help in any way possible, as well as all those who are contributing to the cause.
“I thank all those who are trying to honestly tell the truth about Ukraine today, who are collecting humanitarian aid, collecting medicine, or simply praying for Ukraine’s victory,” said Shevchuk.
Although Ukrainians are preparing for the worst, Catholics like these in Kyiv are showing that their spirits have not been shaken.