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

In Mokrets, authorities attempt to halt construction of a UOC church on private land

After the seizure of the Dormition church, believers began constructing a new prayer building; however, local authorities are now demanding that the legality of the construction be verified.

Odessa Seminary Completes Entrance Examinations

Applicants to the choral conducting, iconography, and gold embroidery departments sat their examinations at the Archangel Michael Women's Monastery.

Cherkasy RA begins preparations for Hasidic pilgrimage to Uman

Regional authorities discussed security, medical services, and sanitary control measures for Rosh Hashanah.

Ancient Kyiv Reserve head calls Pochaiv procession “absolutely horrifying”

Roman Malenkov complained that neither the war, Russian missiles, nor the Ukrainian authorities can stop the pilgrims heading to Pochaiv.

Vandals behead Virgin Mary statue on Italian island of Ischia

Unknown vandals have beheaded a roadside statue of the Virgin Mary in the village of Panza on Ischia for the third time.

Danish PM calls Muslim migrants EU’s “enemy within”

Mette Frederiksen said that some Muslim migrants pose a threat to Europe on a par with other terrorists.