RCC hierarch: Joint Christmas of UGCC, RCC and PCU is a political statement

Stanislav Shirokoradiuk. Photo: risu.ua

The Roman Catholic bishop of Odesa, Stanislav Shirokoradiuk, has called the joint celebration of Christmas in the new style on 25 December by representatives of the RCC, UGCC, OCU and Protestants "a political statement".

In an interview with German radio Ö1 during the Religion aktuell programme, Shirokoradiuk said that the first joint celebration of Christmas "by Ukraine's Christian Churches is a good sign for the country", which is in the midst of an ongoing difficult military situation.

"Thank God that the Greek Catholic and Orthodox Churches of Ukraine (OCU – Ed.) celebrated Christmas together with Roman Catholics and Protestants this year, which was also a political statement," Stanislav Shirokoradiuk said.

As earlier reported, the Network showed the empty Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra during the "Christmas service”.

Read also

Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra commemorates saints of Far Caves

The UOC chancellor led the Liturgy on the feast day of the venerable saints of the Kyiv Caves who rest in the Far Caves.

Poland marks 100th anniversary of Lemkos’ return to Orthodoxy

Hierarchs of the Polish Orthodox Church led celebrations in Gorlice marking the 100th anniversary of the Lemkos’ return to the Orthodox faith.

Kyiv Metropolis court hearing postponed again

Kyiv’s Sixth Administrative Court of Appeal postponed the hearing in DESS’s lawsuit against the Kyiv Metropolis until October 7.

Patriarch Theophilos receives Metropolitan of Rivne and eparchy pilgrims

The Patriarch of Jerusalem met with pilgrims from the Rivne Eparchy and gave the faithful his blessing.

UGCC reps gift Pope with embroidered Ukrainian shirt

The UGCC members said it was important to tell the pontiff about Ukrainians who had migrated to Europe because of the war.

“Ancient Kyiv” head complains OCU barred him from capital church

Roman Malenkov said OCU representatives called him a Bolshevik.