On September 16, the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) held an orientation session for incoming master’s students. The event provided an opportunity for students to familiarize themselves with the university community, its values, its opportunities, and the people who shape the UCU environment.
Master’s Student Orientation Session 2026
This year, over 300 students enrolled in master’s programs at UCU. The orientation session began with a university-wide Liturgy at the Church of Sophia the Wisdom of God, during which prayers were offered for the new academic year, the students, the faculty, and all who serve the university. The Liturgy was led by Bishop Hlib Lonchyna, Bishop Emeritus of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) and advisor to the president of UCU.
Fr. Nazariy Mysiakovsky, rector of the church and head of the Deanery of Pastoral Affairs, delivered a welcoming address to the master’s students. He spoke about the spiritual dimension of studying at the university and encouraged students to open themselves to God’s love and the life of the university parish.
“You have come here for new experiences and knowledge,” emphasized Fr. Mysiakovsky. “But we also offer you the experience of the open doors of God’s love. You will learn and gain wisdom—primarily human wisdom. But remember that on your university’s campus, the wisdom of God is also available to you. We are always open to discussion and to being with you spiritually. Be children of this church—a church of embrace, filled with God’s love and the prayers of those who seek the Lord.”
Master’s Student Orientation Session 2026
Following the Liturgy, students heard from Myroslav Marynovych, advisor to the UCU rector, and a leading religious expert. A founding member of the Ukrainian Helsinki Group, former Soviet dissident and political prisoner, and founder of the Amnesty movement in Ukraine, Marynovych spoke about personal responsibility for driving societal change, creating values, and using solidarity as the foundation for a strong Ukraine.
“I urge you to join the people who produce values. We cannot change all of Ukraine, but we can change the space around us,” said Marynovych. “There are many centers that have achieved significant success, but they often live in their own bubbles. The time comes when these bubbles must burst so that, over time, they become the framework of Ukraine. We must do this. Your creative intellect must work here. Think, analyze, and become a spiritual support for the weak. Be in solidarity, do not betray one another, and be the change you want to see in society.”
Myroslav Marynovych at the Master’s Student Orientation Session
During the session, the university also awarded master’s scholarships. One hundred and forty-four first-year students received varying levels of financial support, 50 of whom were awarded named scholarships from university benefactors.
Dora Chomiak, a Ukrainian-American leader and CEO of Razom—a U.S.-based charitable foundation that actively supports Ukraine—also addressed the students. She urged them to be open to new experiences, to not shy away from difficult discussions, and to learn how to look at familiar things from different perspectives.
“I encourage all of you who are here: grapple with what you don’t know yet,” Chomiak noted. “Have uncomfortable conversations that make you think, so you can look at something from a different perspective. And know that you are not alone; you have the UCU community.”
Master’s Student Orientation Session 2026
Another key component of the orientation was a session titled “Serving in Collaboration.” Students had the opportunity to discuss what it means to be part of the UCU community and how the university’s values can manifest in their studies and professional careers.
“Create your life in small but systematic steps. Do not be afraid to start small—it is the daily, routine work, the savoring of life, and the willingness to make mistakes that ultimately lead to big results,” said Rev. Pavlo Khud, Deputy Dean of the UCU Faculty of Social Sciences. “Dream regardless of how many resources you have. If you have a dream and have thought it out well enough, start implementing it step by step. If you desire great things and profound depth, achieve them through simple, everyday actions.”
During a tour of UCU departments, the master’s students were introduced to opportunities and services that will support them throughout their studies. In particular, the students learned about the UCU Library, the Monitoring and Research Center, and the Dean’s Office of Student Life.
The students also met with student leaders who shared their personal experiences of studying and living at the university, highlighting student initiatives and opportunities to join various campus communities. The orientation session marked the first collective step for new master’s students at UCU—an opportunity not only to receive practical information but also to better understand the university environment, build relationships, and discover avenues for their own development and service.
