Shevchuk: Our priests live in poverty, many cannot afford food
Sviatoslav Shevchuk. Photo: Zhyve Telebachennia
Sviatoslav Shevchuk stated that some UGCC clerics live below the poverty line, and some do not have the means to buy bread. The head of the UGCC said this on the air of Zhyve Telebachennia.
According to him, an independent organization commissioned by the Synod conducted a study of the financial and material situation of clergy. Its results, Shevchuk admitted, stunned everyone: 38% of priests cannot afford to buy clothing and footwear, while 3% cannot afford food.
Shevchuk emphasized that material hardship affects not only monastics and priests, but also their families – their wives and children. At the same time, he noted that 92% of those surveyed are happy in their ministry.
“They are ready to lay down their lives for their flock,” Shevchuk said.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that, according to Shevchuk, most UGCC structures are located abroad. The UGCC head did not specify whether UGCC clerics living abroad are also going hungry.
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