For Ukrainians around the world, the Cathedral of St. Sophia in Rome and the Society of St. Sophia are much more than just a religious center. It is a spiritual home where the Ukrainian soul has been preserved, the language and historical memory have been cherished for over half a century. Founded by His Beatitude Joseph the Blind after his many years of imprisonment in Soviet camps, the Cathedral was consecrated in 1969 as a symbol of the invincibility of faith and love for the Motherland. Inspired by the majestic Sophia of Kyiv, this temple became a center for Ukrainians from different parts of the world at a time when the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church was persecuted and attempts were made to destroy Ukrainian identity.
The history of the complex is inextricably linked with prominent figures of the Ukrainian clergy. It was here that Josyf Slipyj lived and served, and Cardinal Lubomyr Husar worked here for a long time, becoming one of the most prominent continuers of the cause of building a Ukrainian center in Rome. For decades, even before the restoration of Ukraine's independence, the Cathedral served as an unofficial spiritual and cultural representation of our state in the free world. Today, this lively connection continues through the active participation of the community in the events of the Holy See, where Ukrainian children and the Liberton choir worthily represent the national culture during audiences in the Vatican.
With the restoration of Ukraine's independence, the activities of the St. Sophia Society opened a new page. The spiritual core of the community is the rector of the Cathedral, Father Marko Semegen, whose ministry continues the mission of His Beatitude Josyf Slipyj — to be a bridge between Ukraine, world Ukrainians, and the Apostolic See. A separate important place is occupied by the Ukrainian school under the leadership of Lesya Romaniv. A vibrant cultural environment has formed around it, where children have the opportunity not only to learn the language and history, but also to feel like part of a large Ukrainian family in Italy.
The Society's mission in the conditions of the modern war has become decisive. Starting in 2014, and especially since the full-scale invasion in 2022, St. Sophia has transformed into one of the most powerful centers of Ukrainian solidarity in Europe. From the first days, the community has united to collect humanitarian aid, receive refugees, and provide medical, legal, and educational support. Seamless logistics have been established: thanks to the efforts of benefactors and volunteers, more than 150 shipments of medicines, generators, and essential items have already been sent to Ukraine. The Society directly cares for defenders on the front lines, the wounded in hospitals, and provides support for their rehabilitation programs in Italy.
Today, the Society of Saint Sophia is rapidly developing, uniting over a thousand people, and is one of the most authoritative representatives of the Ukrainian community. Its influence in the socio-political space of Italy has become universally recognized: when it comes to the challenges of modernity, the history or spirituality of Ukraine, Italian state and public institutions turn to the Society as a reliable and competent partner. Conceived as a spiritual refuge, Saint Sophia in Rome has become the true heart of global Ukrainianism - a place where Ukraine acts, helps and lives every day.