UGCC head: We contributed to the meeting between the Pope and OCU leader
Pope Francis and Serhiy Dumenko. Photo: Press Service of the OCU
The head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC), Sviatoslav Shevchuk, stated in an interview with RBC-Ukraine that his organization was involved in arranging the meeting between Epifaniy Dumenko and Pope Francis.
"The very fact of the meeting is very positive, and we were also part of it," said Shevchuk. "Our opinion is often sought. From the very beginning of this church's existence, we have been strong advocates for the OCU, including before the Apostolic See."
"We even suffered for this, one might say," Shevchuk added. According to him, he and his colleagues "had to explain the gesture of the Ecumenical Patriarch, why it is important, and what it signifies."
He noted that conducting such educational activities in the Vatican was necessary because "the Moscow side was poisoning the ecclesiastical-religious world with its propaganda, including on this topic (the OCU – Ed.)."
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Shevchuk called on Ukrainian authorities to fight UOC communities abroad.
Read also
Polish President extends Christmas greetings to Orthodox Christians
Andrzej Duda wished for Christians of various denominations in Poland to treat each other with respect and amicable openness.
Google searches: Ukrainians celebrate Christmas on January 7
The query "Merry Christmas" topped the list of searches on the platform.
Head of Phanar сelebrates old-style Christmas with Russians in Istanbul
Patriarch Bartholomew was greeted by Russian women wearing traditional kokoshniks.
OCU cleric to TRC staff: Pray to St John the Warrior to catch draft dodgers
OCU cleric Yaroslav Yasynets stated that martyr St. John the Warrior aids in the search for slaves and runaway servants.
The Church celebrates the Nativity of Christ
On January 7, the Orthodox Church celebrates the great feast of the Nativity of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ.
Doctors: Health condiiton of the Albanian Church's Primate is critical
The medical report was published on January 5.