In a city enduring the relentless impact of war, Christmas light pierced through the darkness as Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine, and Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, Papal Almoner, concelebrated Christmas Eve Mass at Kharkiv's Latin Cathedral. Despite intense Russian bombings, the two Vatican representatives also participated in the Christmas Day Divine Liturgy at the Greek Catholic Cathedral, a vivid testament to the resilience of faith.

"The light of Christmas is so intense and so great that it rises above all difficulties, above any aggression and any bombing," Archbishop Kulbokas reflected after the Mass, underscoring the hope that Christ’s birth brings even amid destruction.

The solemn celebrations marked the second year that the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church of Ukraine observed Christmas on December 25th. Latin and Greek Catholic Bishops Pavlo Honcharuk and Vasyl' Tučapec', retired Greek Catholic Bishop Ihor Isichenko, and Archbishop Mytrofan of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine joined the liturgies, along with Protestant representatives, Kharkiv's mayor, and other city officials.

"Jesus was present, born for us," Archbishop Kulbokas emphasized. "When Jesus is born in a place under constant attack and bombardment, His light becomes even more visible; it shines brightly."

The Archbishop’s reflections, inspired by the readings from the Prophet Isaiah, resonated deeply with the war-torn congregation. "These are words that resonate powerfully in these places, because it is precisely the light of joy and hope that Christmas brings us," he noted.

He also linked the celebration to the global Church, highlighting that Pope Francis was simultaneously opening the Holy Door in Rome to begin the Jubilee of the Holy Year.

The celebrations unfolded against a backdrop of peril. On Christmas Eve, missiles and drones exploded near the Greek Catholic Cathedral.