The national fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) in Ukraine was supposed to celebrate its National Elective Chapter in 2022, but due to the war it was postponed indefinitely.
This important event was finally celebrated, albeit under special conditions, on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at the St. Wojciech Retreat Center in Hvardiiske, located in Ukraine’s Khmelnytska region. The Chapter opened at 10:00 a.m. with Mass. Lucia SPODNIAKOVA (International Councilor of the OFS National Council of Slovakia), serving as the Delegate of the OFS Minister General Tibor KAUSER, presided over the Chapter.
Forty-nine Capitulars and two auditors were present. Zoya KUTRYSH was elected as the National Minister. Given the situation in the country, once the elective part of the Chapter was concluded, the new National Council took office immediately.
Many were unable to attend the Chapter in person due to complications caused by the war in Ukraine. Nevertheless, despite the exceptional conditions under which the Chapter was celebrated, the atmosphere among the participants was full of peace and joy. The Chapter welcomed the presence of the National Spiritual Assistants: Friars Maryan MELNYCHUK, OFM Conv.; Dobroslav KOPYSTERYNSKYI, OFM; and Volodymyr PROTSKO, OFM Cap. as well as some Local Spiritual Assistants: Friars Simon BAYDACKI, OFM; and Viktor DYSHUK, OFM Cap. The Chapter was uplifting and the OFS brothers and sisters made their choices responsibly.
Due to the difficult times that the national fraternity is enduring, the Chapter closed on the same day.
Friar Ștefan, OFS General Spiritual Assistant
