Head of the UGCC Met in Kyiv with the Leadership of the Ukrainian World Congress
On November 27, the Father and Head of the UGCC, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, met with the leadership of the World Congress of Ukrainians at his residence in Kyiv.
Paul Grod, UWC President, noted that the key objectives of the congress at this point are to raise awareness with local governments, telling them the truth about the war in Ukraine. Another task is to help integrate newly arrived people into existing communities or to create these communities to preserve their national and cultural identity.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav greeted the UWC President and leadership and expressed gratitude for the meeting. He noted that our Church’s top priority is Ukraine’s victory. Before Russia’s open aggression, Ukraine adopted a law on military chaplaincy. More than 70 priests serve in the Armed Forces and other structures as chaplains.
The Head of the UGCC emphasized that another priority task of the Church during the war is to support all victims, especially the families of those deceased or missing. He also spoke about a certified program for clergy called “Healing the Wounds of War,” which began in September this year. The main goal of the training is to teach priests to provide professional help and care to all those in need who have suffered a war-related injury.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav noted that this year’s Synod of Bishops of the UGCC, which took place in Rome addressed the issues of pastoral care for the victims of war. The Synod approved several resolutions designed to help the Church better serve our faithful in different parts of the world.
The Primate also recounted his recent stay in Europe, including visits to Athens, Vilnius, and Brussels. Notably, the visit to Brussels took place just as the European Commission initiated negotiations on Ukraine’s membership in the EU.
At the end of the meeting, the parties agreed to continue close cooperation between the Ukrainian World Congress and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church for the victory of Ukraine.
The UGCC Department for InformationPhoto: Andriy Kienko
