The Jewish Community of Kyiv Celebrates the 160th Anniversary of the Birth of the Righteous Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky
On July 29, at the initiative of Moshe Reuven Asman, Chief Rabbi of Ukraine, and with the support of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, the 160th anniversary of the birth of the righteous Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky was celebrated at the Lazar Brodsky Central Synagogue in Kyiv.
During the commemorative event, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church was represented by Fr. hor Shaban, chairman of the UGCC Commission on Interfaith and Interreligious Relation, and Fr. Mykola Sulyma, chancellor of the Patriarchal Curia of the UGCC.
In his speech, Fr. Ihor Shaban noted:
“The righteous Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky is a moral guide not only for our Church but also for all humanity. At a time when many remained silent or retreated, he was not afraid to call evil evil and to be a defender of the innocent. His example shows that Christian faith is not only prayer, but above all responsibility for one’s neighbor, regardless of their origin or religion. Therefore, we, as representatives of the Church, have no right to forget the path he walked and what he called us to do.”
According to the priest, it was particularly meaningful that it was the Jewish community of Kyiv honoring the metropolitan:
“This is a profound gesture of gratitude and remembrance that opens new horizons for dialogue and reconciliation. The joint commemoration of a figure who saved Jewish brothers and sisters is living testimony that Sheptytsky’s spiritual legacy continues to unite — despite the tragedies of the past, it builds a future based on dignity, truth, and solidarity,” emphasized Fr. Shaban.
After the ceremony, a memorial plaque dedicated to Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky was unveiled. A symbolic location was chosen for its installation — the “Tree of Life,” planted in honor of the righteous Metropolitan several years ago near the central synagogue as a sign of gratitude from the Jewish community for the selfless support and protection he provided to Jews during the Nazi occupation.
“The installation of this plaque near the synagogue is a gesture of remembrance and gratitude,” said Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Reuven Asman.
Read also:
Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Prylbychi: “Holy and righteous Metropolitan Andrey, teacher of pure love for God and the land, pray before God for us.”
Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky was one of the few religious authorities in occupied Europe during World War II who demonstrated moral courage in the face of the fascist regime. He openly opposed its crimes, publicly condemned the Holocaust, and saved Jewish children by sheltering them in monasteries, orphanages, and his own home. At least 150 people were saved.
The year 2025 has been declared the Year of Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky in Ukraine. He is recognized as a prominent figure not only for the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church but also for the entire country — a statesman and a figure of culture and dialogue. Throughout the year, numerous cultural, scientific, and spiritual events dedicated to his life and legacy are being held.
The UGCC Department for Information
