Head of the UGCC Meets with Representatives of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War
The Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, met with representatives of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, namely with the Secretary of the Center, Dmytro Usov, and the Head of the Working Group, Andriy Yusov. The meeting was held at the residence of the Head of the UGCC and was also attended by the head of the Department for External Relations of the UGCC in Ukraine, Fr. Oleksa Petriv.
During the meeting, the parties discussed issues related to the pastoral care of military personnel and the chaplaincy service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The Secretary of the Staff expressed his gratitude to the Head of the UGCC for his comprehensive assistance and support of Ukraine’s defenders and their families in this challenging period in our history.
They also addressed the issue of the illegal detention of civilians, including church ministers, by the Russian Federation. His Beatitude Sviatoslav drew attention to the fact that UGCC priests Bohdan Geleta and Ivan Levytsky have been held captive by Russia since November 2022, in violation of international humanitarian law and Russia’s obligations.
Participants also discussed mechanisms for establishing cooperation between the Coordination Center and the Apostolic See. Dmytro Usov asked to convey his gratitude to the Holy Father Francis, who in his Easter message called on Russia and Ukraine to exchange prisoners “all for all.” He emphasized that such a format of exchanges aligns with morality and Christian ethics, and Ukraine will make every effort to implement it.
“We are hopeful for support and are grateful to everyone who assists us,” said Dmytro Usov. “Our goal is to free all Ukrainians from captivity.”
His Beatitude Sviatoslav assured that the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church will continue to support Ukrainian defenders and their families, and is ready to fully contribute to ensuring a swift return of all captive Ukrainians return to their families.
At the end of the meeting, the Head of the UGCC exchanged memorable gifts with the representatives of the Coordination Headquarters.
The UGCC Department for Information
based on materials from the press service of the Coordination Headquarter
