Finding God Amidst the Trials: Conversations with Bishop Vitalii and Chalice of Mercy

Welcome to ‘Connecting the Diocese’ with Erik Archer, Director of Communications and Public Relations for the Diocese of La Crosse. In this episode, we continue our deep and enriching conversation with Bishop Vitalii from Kiev, Ukraine, and Valentyna, founder of the nonprofit Chalice of Mercy. Joined by Father Dan Thelen, they explore the profound themes of mercy, justice, and finding God’s presence on the front lines of war. They share personal stories of providing aid, the tangible impact of charitable donations, and the intersection of mercy and justice in tumultuous times. This conversation offers a powerful insight into living faith amidst adversity and the importance of prayer and support for the people of Ukraine.

02:02 Chalice of Mercy’s Impact in Ukraine

06:40 Personal Experiences on the Frontline

11:16 The Struggle Between Mercy and Justice

29:43 Prayers and Reflections During War

30:53 Unity and Support from the Global Community

34:15 The Role of Social Media in Spreading the Gospel

36:00 Personal Reflections on Gospel Preaching

37:16 Content Creation vs. Faith Communication

37:55 The Role of Social Media in Evangelization

39:48 Gratitude and Support for Ukraine

43:05 Closing Thoughts and Prayers

48:31 Introducing the Sunday Gospel Primer

50:05 Reflections on the Beatitudes

56:37 The Spiritual Journey and Homilies

58:57 Final Blessings and Farewell