Iryna Saszko

Irena Saszko

Irena Saszko, a member of the Order of Virgins, is vice rector of the Institute of Theological Sciences of the Immaculate Virgin Mary in Horodok, Ukraine. From 2012 to 2022, she taught at the institute and as a professor of Slavic philology at the Khmelnytskyi National University.

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Irena Saszko presents at the training session for sisters at the Institute of Theological Sciences Horodok, Ukraine.

The church in Ukraine is 'a field hospital after battle'

In response to Russia's war on Ukraine, clergy and consecrated people in Ukraine have sought new knowledge and skills, "recognizing that those who have experienced the hell of combat require a special approach." 

Sisters pose for a group photo at the conclusion of the June 9-17 retreat at the Institute of Theological Sciences of the Immaculate Virgin Mary in Horodok, Ukraine. (Courtesy of Irena Saszko)

Sisters in Ukraine build bridges at retreat for Eastern and Western rites

In a time when Russia seeks to create divisions, we at the Institute of Theological Sciences of the Immaculate Virgin Mary in Ukraine decided to organize joint retreats for sisters of both Eastern and Western rites.

A group of students, teachers and employees of the Institute of Theological Sciences of the Immaculate Virgin Mary in Horodok, Ukraine stand in the Martyrs Memorial in the city of Tyvriv. (Courtesy of Iryna Saszko)

The Ukrainian people's 'Via Dolorosa' continues

The sacrifice of our ancestors has strengthened our faith, showing that our suffering also has meaning. And in this bloody war, truth will surely prevail.

 

Nun holds baby.

Even in 'explosion of hell,' God's love comforts Ukrainians

Soon after the sounds of the first bombings, we went to the basement to set up a bomb shelter. The Institute of Theological Sciences of the Immaculate Virgin Mary began welcoming people displaced in the war.