UGCC leader: We have a patriarchate, it functions, but it is not recognized
Head of the UGCC Sviatoslav Shevchuk. Photo: catholicnewsagency.com
Head of the UGCC Sviatoslav Shevchuk stated that the UGCC has eight metropolises and a unified legislative body – the Synod of Bishops, which means that the Uniates have a patriarchate, but it has not yet been recognized. He said this in an interview with Hromadske.
"Today we have eight metropolises: four in Ukraine and four abroad. And we have a unified legislative body called the Synod of Bishops. Our bishops do not directly subordinate to the Vatican. Therefore, we have a patriarchate," he explained.
According to Shevchuk, 30 years is a short period, and it takes time for the UGCC to be recognized both by the Vatican and among the Orthodox world not only in Ukraine but also abroad.
"Today there is a question of who should recognize this patriarchate, who has such authority. Some say – only an Ecumenical Council. And others say – no, only the Pope can do it. I think that the issue of recognition is a matter of time," said the UGCC leader.
As reported earlier, "bishop" of the OCU Hryhoriy Kryzyna stated that the Union of Brest, which created the Greek Catholic Church on the territory of modern Ukraine, "was a mistake".
Read also
Constantinople hierarch: UOJ engages in propaganda journalism in defense of UOC
Archbishop Elpidophoros accuses the Union of Orthodox Journalists of "Russian propaganda" without providing a single fact.
Phanar’s Archdiocese in U.S. tried to derail meetings held in defense of UOC
A leaked letter from Archbishop Elpidophoros to Patriarch Bartholomew has revealed that while Orthodox Christians were seeking protection for the UOC in Washington, the Phanar was coordinating a campaign to sabotage their meetings with American politicians.
EXCLUSIVE: Abp Elpidophoros’ letter to Pat Bartholomew on defending UOC in US
Archbishop Elpidophoros reports to Patriarch Bartholomew on his efforts to derail actions by Orthodox clergy and faithful in the United States in defense of the UOC.
Zelensky awards chief rabbi "for the defense of the country"
At the celebration of Moshe Asman’s anniversary, representatives of the Presidential Office and the Territorial Defense Forces presented the rabbi with state awards and read out a message from Zelensky.
Gates foundation allocates $1 billion to promote abortion in Africa and Asia
Bill Gates and other private donors will direct funds to organizations seeking to legalize abortion and change laws in countries with traditional values.
Kosovo to enact law restricting Serbian Church, experts say
Analysts warn that the new "Law on Foreigners" in Kosovo could restrict the presence of clergy, believers' access to shrines, and increase pressure on the Serbian community.