His Beatitude Lubomyr transfers seal of Patriarchal Curia to administrator of Kyiv-Halych Major Archbishopric (video added)

On the evening of February 10 took place the final stage of the transfer of power by His Beatitude Lubomyr to the administrator of the UGCC Bishop Ihor Voznyak. His Beatitude transferred the seal of the Patriarchal Curia as a symbol of authority and ministry for the whole church. Opening the ceremony Bishop Bohdan Dziurakh, Secretary of the Synod of Bishops, said: “We are the witnesses of an important event for the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. Today Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation from the government of the major archbishop His Beatitude Lubomyr. At the same time it was reported that according to church law the administrator of our church has become the Very Rev. Ihor Voznyak. This is not only a legal act but also the transfer of power of the whole church during the vacancy of the throne of the major archbishop. Today we will witness His Beatitude transfer the symbol of authority to the Very Rev. Bishop Ihor.” Transferring the seal to the administrator, His Beatitude Lubomyr said that he passes this seal according to the laws of our church and for its benefit and good. He explained that he is giving the seal to Bishop Ihor as the person responsible for our church in this transitional time. At the same time he wished that Bishop Ihor led our church with all of God’s graces. Accepting the seal, Bishop Ihor assured that he would take it "for the good of the church and our people." At the end Bishop Bohdan wished His Beatitude Lubomyr good health and Bishop Ihor wisdom and inspiration in guiding the church during its transition period.

Information Department of the UGCC