UGCC head is grateful to the Pope for caring for the suffering Ukrainians

Pope Francis and Vladimir Putin. Photo: mk.ru

Pope Francis and Vladimir Putin. Photo: mk.ru

The head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Sviatoslav Shevchuk, thanked the Pope "for the spiritual care of the suffering Ukrainian people," reports domradio.de.

The hierarchs of the UGCC intend to celebrate mass on September 10 in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. According to Shevchuk, “for the bishops, clergy and believers of our church, prayer in St. Peter’s Cathedral in Rome is an extraordinary gift of God and a sign that we, united in the universal church community, are not alone in the face of the terrible trials of the war that has befallen our people."

He called the Uniates to prayer and gratitude, noting that "our common prayer will be an expression of communion with the Holy Father, the successor in the Peter’s See, and our gratitude for his spiritual care for the 'suffering Ukrainian people' and his voice of truth regarding the Ukrainian issue."

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the pope is trying to organize a meeting between Putin and Zelensky. However, the President of Ukraine told the pontiff that Ukraine does not need mediators for negotiations.

Later, Ukrainian Catholics were indignant at the pope's silence about the war in Ukraine.

SBU told Phanar many UOC bishops would join OCU in 2018, report says

According to a Phanar representative’s account, Ukrainian security services told the Constantinople delegation that many UOC representatives were prepared to attend the OCU’s “Unification Council.” In the end, only two did.

Catholic cardinal visits Ukrainian POWs during trip to Russia

During three days of consultations in Moscow, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discussed prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.

Ukrainians help restore Serbian Orthodox church in Paris

Orthodox Ukrainians have become regular parishioners of St. Sava Church in Paris and have taken part in its restoration.

Bulgarian Church clergy and laity oppose Phanar head’s visit

More than 2,000 clergy and laity have called for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to be canceled, citing disagreement with his actions and concerns that the visit could legitimize schism.

Unknown intruders break down doors at two UOC churches in Sloviansk

Archbishop Paisiy said OCU activists are suspected of breaking into the churches in Sloviansk, and police have launched an investigation.

Sviatohirsk Lavra prays for murdered monk on 40th day after death

The brethren of the Sviatohirsk Lavra held a memorial service for murdered Monk Varsonofiy, calling on the faithful to pray for the newly departed monk.