Archives

Conflict Escalating as Russia Attacks Populated Urban Areas

Currents News Staff

In just one moment, Ukrainians, some wrapped in flags, all driven to defend, responded when they saw a Russian vehicle approach.

“We are fighting for our rights, for our freedoms, for our life. and now we’re fighting for survival,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The U.N. estimates at least 102 civilians have died so far, but that figure likely underestimates the true toll.

Ukraine’s President accuses Russia of war crimes, which the Kremlin rejects, for bombing the city of Kharkiv.

The Russian military warns of more attacks.

Satellite images from late Monday show a 40-miles long Russian convoy approaching Ukraine’s capital.

The U.S. Secretary of State floated the idea Tuesday of kicking Russia off the U.N. human rights council.

“These are the human rights abuses this Council was created to stop. If we cannot come together now, when will we come together,” said U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Ukrainians Mobilizing as Volunteers Continue Building up City’s Defenses

Currents News Staff

The people of Kyiv are mobilizing.

Across the capital volunteers are pouring in, building up the city’s defenses with whatever they can. Women bring in empty bottles to be made into molotov cocktails.

The leaders of this militia say Ukraine will win this war, emboldened by recent successful operations to repel Russian forces.

A billboard warns invading forces: “Russian soldiers leave. How will you look your children in the eye?”

Ukraine has borne the brutality of this invasion with patient grit and determination.

Outside every supermarket, there are long lines and scarce supplies, but no one is complaining. In fact, many are optimistic they will defeat Russia.

In an eastern suburb of the city, Raisa Shmatko’s front yard has turned into a staging area. She’s collecting things to donate to people, like sleeping bags and food.

The grandmother and retired economist now spends her days preparing for battle by making molotov cocktails.

“We will beat them. They won’t come. I believe in our Ukraine, I believe in Ukrainian people,” said Shmatko.

Catholic News Headlines for Tuesday, 3/1/22

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.

 

Resurrection Coptic Catholic Church is Adorned with Byzantine Icons by Pastor’s Twin Brother

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.”

Catholic News Headlines for Monday, 2/28/22

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.

United Nations Emergency Session Sparks World Diplomacy

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.

Ukrainian Refugees Flee to Poland as Women and Children Leave Behind Homes

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.

How to Explain the Ukrainian Invasion to Kids

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.

 

Black Holocaust Museum Reopens and Welcomes Visitors for the First Time Since 2008

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.