His Beatitude Sviatoslav Is Inscribed in the Golden Book of Munich
On May 21, 2024, the bishops of the Permanent Synod of the UGCC visited Munich City Hall. During the visit, the Father and Head of the UGCC, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, was inscribed in the Golden Book of the city. This act symbolizes the recognition of the significant contributions of the UGCC to the life of Munich and the unbreakable bond between Ukraine and Germany, especially during the war.
The deputy mayor of Munich, whose family has provided shelter to Ukrainian refugees, greeted the UGCC bishops on behalf of the entire city community. He noted the strong partnership between Munich and Kyiv, which are sister cities, and expressed hope for further deepening of cooperation.
In his speech, His Beatitude Sviatoslav emphasized the unchanging role of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church as a center of transformation in Ukrainian society. For centuries, when Ukrainians lived on their own land but under foreign rule, the UGCC remained virtually the only social structure that protected the interests of ordinary people. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Church played a major role in transforming post-Soviet society into a democratic one, particularly through education. Today, in the midst of a brutal war, the Church, as a Mother, cares for the wounded but unbreakable people of Ukraine.
The Head of the UGCC stressed that Munich played a pivotal role in helping Ukraine by providing humanitarian aid, shelter, and spiritual support to refugees. “The wave of solidarity and support from here reached us in the first days of the full-scale war,” said His Beatitude Sviatoslav. He noted that Bavaria has perhaps received the largest number of Ukrainian refugees among all the federal states of Germany.
“On behalf of our Church and the people of Ukraine, we express our deepest gratitude for this remarkably cordial assistance,” the Patriarch thanked.
Munich has become a focal point for the ecclesial and ethnic life of Ukrainians in Germany. It is the seat of the Exarchate and the Cathedral of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin of the UGCC. After World War II, the Ukrainian Youth Association was founded here. Munich is home to the Ukrainian Free University, the Ridna Shkola educational institution, and several Ukrainian Saturday schools.
“Munich and Kyiv, Germany and Ukraine have deep and strong spiritual, political, social, and cultural ties. The current war has only strengthened them. And today’s invitation to sign the Munich Golden Book is another manifestation of your solidarity and support for our people,” the Patriarch concluded.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav then signed the Golden Book of Munich. It is worth noting that exactly 59 years ago, on May 21, 1965, British Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip of Edinburgh also signed this book, and on September 9, 2006, it was signed by Pope Benedict XVI.
The bishops of the Permanent Synod of the UGCC presented Munich City Hall with an icon of the Virgin Mary made from an ammunition box. It is a symbol of the transformational ministry of the Church in times of war. “Please accept this icon as a statement that we, Christians, can turn sorrow and grief into the joy of the Holy Spirit,” said His Beatitude Sviatoslav.
Reference
The Munich Golden Book is an honorary list of people who have made a significant contribution to the development of the city. It has been kept since 1818. It includes the names of distinguished figures in various fields, including government and religion. The Munich Golden Book is kept in the Old Town Hall and is available for public viewing.
The UGCC Department for Information
