“The Church Must Have the Resources to Serve Effectively,” Says the Patriarchal Econom at the Synod
During a working session of the Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, July 10—which concludes today at the Marian Spiritual Center “Zarvanytsia”—Patriarchal Econom Fr. Lyubomyr Yavorskyy introduced the bishops to a range of financial matters, including a review of the past fiscal year and budget planning for the coming period.
In his report, Fr. Lyubomyr Yavorskyy emphasized that finances are not an end in themselves for the Church, but rather a tool for ministry. “The Church, as the Body of Christ, is the soul, but we also speak of tangible things,” noted the patriarchal economist. “There must be tangible things, because as I always say: in order for the Church to serve effectively, it must have the resources for ministry.”
Every year at the Synod, Fr. Lyubomyr Yavorskyy presents a report on the past year and the budget for the coming years. According to him, every year in wartime is challenging, and budgeting for 2027 has become a particular challenge, since it is impossible to predict today whether the war will continue, what postwar Ukraine will look like, and what additional difficulties and risks the Church will face. “We are living under attack, under missiles and Shahed drones, and all of this can change in the blink of an eye,” the priest emphasized, adding that this applies both to funding needs and to requests for assistance directed to the Church.
Separately, the Patriarchal Econom drew the bishops’ attention to the solidarity of the entire Church—eparchies and parishes throughout the world—which, in his words, is a wonderful example of unity in the service of others and mutual aid. Fr. Lyubomyr also presented to the bishops the budget for the administrative center of the Patriarchal Curia—a body which, according to him, is today essential for the Church to move forward strategically and ensure the necessary processes.
“There are never enough resources; they are always in demand, and we must seek them out, but the Holy Spirit is at work,” the speaker emphasized. “We always close out the fiscal year; we fulfill our budget; we do not lay off people; we have people employed, and we pay them for their work.”
Special attention was given at the Synod to church-wide funds and collections. In particular, the discussion focused on the Andriyiv Hrish (Andrew’s Pence) fund, which has shown steady growth since the start of the full-scale invasion. The bishops were also briefed on the UGCC Mission Fund and the Church-wide Fund for Priestly Solidarity, which is designed to provide assistance not only to priests in Ukraine but also to those in Kazakhstan, Poland, and other countries.
Additionally, Fr. Lyubomyr Yavorskyy presented the activities of the Patriarchal Foundation Mudra Sprava (Wise Cause)—an initiative that now serves effectively as a transformative institution working with communities throughout Ukraine. Mudra Sprava implements innovative projects that demonstrate a “Church that has stepped out of the church building,” yet these projects remain, first and foremost, a form of church ministry.
Patriarchal accountant Natalia Parkulab also participated in the presentations on financial matters. Subsequently, the bishops of the UGCC voted in favor of the presented report and budget.
