The Letter of the Synod of Bishops of the UGCC on War and Just Peace Published in Six Languages in One Book
The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church has published the “Letter of the Synod of Bishops of the UGCC in Ukraine on War and Just Peace in the Context of New Ideologies: ‘Rescue the Oppressed from the Hand of Their Oppressor’ (Jer. 22:3)” in six languages: English, French, German, Italian, Polish, and Spanish.
This edition, with a print run of 1,000 copies, responds to numerous requests from around the world for a translation of the message adopted at the 96th session of the Synod, which convened on February 7–8, 2024, in Lviv.
As Fr. Oleksa Petriv, Secretary of the Synod of Bishops of the UGCC in Ukraine, commented to the UGCC Information Department, the publication is pivotal for many reasons.
Firstly, this book presents an opportunity to reach a global audience. The translation of the message, particularly into Spanish and French, allows the UGCC to communicate with millions of people in the Global South about the war in Ukraine and the Church’s stance on it.
The translation of the Message of the Synod of Bishops was requested by local authorities in many countries, embassies, bishops, and UGCC faithful.
“The publication will be distributed among Ukrainian communities around the world, providing them with spiritual support,” said Fr. Oleksa. “The Letter will also be sent to embassies in Ukraine and abroad, facilitating a better understanding of the UGCC’s stance on war and peace by the international community.”
“The terminology used in the letter is quite precise, and therefore the translation into the native language and authentic reading of the text is especially important,” said the Secretary of the Synod of Bishops of the UGCC in Ukraine. “Thus, this six-language edition has been produced and will be distributed where it is needed.”
The UGCC Department for Information
