The Head of UGCC, “We wish that the call ‘We forgive and ask for forgiveness’ became part of life for every Ukrainian and Polish!”

The Father and Head of the UGCC, His Beatitude Sviatoslav spoke about this on Tuesday, December 5, during the meeting with the academic community at the University “Lviv Polytechnic.”

This event continued communication with spiritual leaders which started at the University several years ago. This time, the dialogue was devoted to the 30^th anniversary of the Declaration about Ukrainian-Polish reconciliation and forgiveness.

At the beginning, the rector of the University Yurij Bobalo noted that this conversation will touch upon the hearts of talented Ukrainian youth and all the present and will confirm everyone in faith. “Today it is very important for students and lecturers to meet with the spiritual leaders of our nation... We suffer a spiritual crisis, which becomes worse on the background of social, economic, political and global challenges. That is why an open dialogue with the society, especially with the youth, is crucial. Since only that professional and social activity which is based on Christian grounds, will give good results later,” observed the rector of the University.

The Head of the UGCC in his speech told that he is optimistic about the future development of Ukraine and her relations with other countries, in particular with Poland. “Despite some sharp political, historic and religious moments in our mutual history, we always have to be open to one another and look for things which unite, not detach,” said the Primate. 

His Beatitude Sviatoslav paid special attention to the role of St Pope John Paul II in one of the stages of building Europe. “When two episcopates, Polish and German, came to Rome, he couldn’t but view the Polish-German relations without the perspective of the European integration of Ukraine. However, he understood that our nations came out after two mutual wars of the XXth cent. with wounds and victims on both sides. And in order to heal the memory of the Ukrainian and Polish people, he, as the successor of Apostle Peter, called us to reconciliation,” asserts the Head of the UGCC.

Also, the Head of the UGCC asked the Ukrainian youth to communicate with the Polish young people for better understanding. He says that those challenges that young Ukrainians face now, are typical of Poland and Europe as well. “Do not live by vain illusions that someone is waiting for you abroad! No, they do not know what to do with their own youth... So conquer the world and study,” so His Beatitude Sviatoslav outlined the role of European and Ukrainian youth.

As wering the actual for the Ukrainian society questions, the Head of the Church also spoke about the problems of the emigration process. He said that today it is an element of culture of many countries because the movement of people is caused not only by socio-economic factors.

Besides, the Primate of the UGCC emphasized that European countries (and not only them) show great interest in diplomacy , when they are visited by the representatives/delegations of the UGCC. “Our church is diplomatic in international relations. Today in Ukraine we have various Churches, which God enabled to serve the Ukrainian question. We have a large network in the whole world. In such meetings I feel like at the frontline of the informational war against our country and Europe. This is the way we want to serve Ukraine and show others what we want. Besides, it is also a wonderful means for authorities of different countries to hear ordinary people, whom we represent,” summed up His Beatitude Sviatoslav.

We would like to remind you that on October 11-12, 2017 in Rome took place official measures devoted to the 30^th anniversary of the Declaration of Ukrainian-Polish forgiveness and reconciliation. The central event became presenting the reward “Capitula of Polish-Ukrainian union”, which is given to personalities and organizations who foster understanding between the nations of Central and Eastern Europe. First such reward was presented to St Pope John Paul II, at whose grave on October 11, the Head of the UGCC led the prayer on the occasion of the 30^th anniversary of the first meeting of representatives of Synod of UGCC Bishops and episcopate of Poland, when the above-mentioned Declaration was proclaimed.

The UGCC Department for Information