The Papal Legate will come to Ukraine to mark the 25th anniversary of the legalization of the UGCC (its exit from the underground)

Sunday, 07 December 2014, 14:35

The Holy Father Francis is sending His Legate to Ukraine - the Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, the Archbishop of Vienna, on 10 December to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the legalization of the UGCC.

See also:

Appeal of His Beatitude Sviatoslav to the Sons and Daughters of the Ukrainian People in Ukraine and Abroad, and to all People of Good Will
His Beatitude Sviatoslav congratulated Sisters of the Incarnate Word Order with on holding Cathedral Chapter
A patriarchate for the UGCC is not only a title. Above all, it’s a way of existing, — His Beatitude Sviatoslav

"With this gesture Pope Francis wants to express His solidarity with the Ukrainian people, who are so suffering today", - said the Father and the Head of the UGCC His Beatitude Sviatoslav.

The Archbishop said that 25th Anniversary is just passing these days since the historic meeting of St.Pope John Paul II with the then head of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev. After that our Church began the process of leaving the underground.

His Beatitude Sviatoslav stressed that the visit of Cardinal Schönborn is important and significant. On the one hand, the whole Christian world can feel their unity with Christians in Ukraine. And on the other hand, - says the Archbishop - the Papal Legate will meet with the President of Ukraine to discuss the current state-church relations in Ukraine, to remember the moment of freedom of our Church, at the same time to determine the next steps to be done by the state to make the life of Ukrainian Greek-Catholic church in a free Ukrainian state corresponding to European and international standards and norms.

The Head of the Church said that the program of Papal Legate's visit would include some very interesting events. In particular, the meeting with the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations. The Cardinal will also visit people who lost their homes because of the military operations in eastern Ukraine. He will possibly meet with wounded soldiers.

His Beatitude Sviatoslav noted that an important point of His visit will be a part of His Eminence in the Night Vigils, taking place in the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Resurrection from December 10 from 7p.m. till 9.15p.m. The Night Vigils will be held under the moto "Do not be afraid, only believe". The faithful will pray together for Ukraine, for our people.

UGCC Department of Information