His Beatitude Sviatoslav Thanks the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine for Honoring the Memory of Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky
His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, thanked Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Reuven Asman for organizing events to honor Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky on the occasion of the 160th anniversary of his birth at the Lazar Brodsky Central Synagogue in Kyiv. According to the Head of the UGCC, this event “opens new horizons for interreligious dialogue.”
Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Reuven Asman and His Beatitude Sviatoslav, photo from the archives of the UGCC Department for Information
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The Jewish Community of Kyiv Celebrates the 160th Anniversary of the Birth of the Righteous Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky
In his letter, the Head of the UGCC expressed his deep gratitude for the “beautiful words” spoken by the Chief Rabbi about Metropolitan Andrey, who “did everything possible to save Jews during the wartime turmoil, regardless of the threat to his own life.”
“The life and ministry of Metropolitan Andrey is a moral guide not only for our Church, but for all of humanity, because ‘the memory of the righteous will be remembered forever,’” said His Beatitude Sviatoslav, quoting Psalm 112.
The Primate especially noted the installation of a memorial plaque in honor of the righteous Metropolitan Andrey near the “Tree of Life” next to the synagogue. According to him, this initiative, especially in these difficult times of struggle for Ukraine’s existence, is “a profound expression of gratitude for the lives saved” and “a powerful and timely message to the whole society about the importance of defending truth, dignity, and freedom.”
The Head of the UGCC expressed his belief that thanks to such noble initiatives and joint efforts, the name of Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky will soon occupy a worthy place among the Righteous Among the Nations.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav also highly appreciated the active civic position of the Chief Rabbi in defending the truth about Ukraine and protecting it during the Russian aggression, calling him “the voice of truth that resounds far beyond the borders of our state.”
Concluding his letter, the Primate wished the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine that the Almighty “may not take away His blessing from you, strengthen your health, and guide you on the path of truth and justice,” and also expressed his hope for a speedy end to the war and the advent of a just peace.
The UGCC Department for Information
