Patriarch Bartholomew and Shevchuk discuss obstacles to ecumenical unity

Shevchuk and Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: UGCC press service

Patriarch Bartholomew met in the Vatican with the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC), Sviatoslav Shevchuk, reports the press service of the UGCC. At the beginning of the meeting, Shevchuk congratulated the Ecumenical Patriarch on the 35th anniversary of his patriarchal ministry and presented him with a panagia bearing an image of the Vyshhorod Mother of God.

Patriarch Bartholomew gave Shevchuk his book "Speaking the Truth in Love", the book "Bartholomew I. 30 Years of Patriarchal Ministry in the Context of Ukraine" and a commemorative medal for the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea. The head of the UGCC thanked the Patriarch for his support of Ukraine and for the "spiritual exposure" of the "Russian world" ideology. According to him, it challenges all Christians regardless of denomination and requires a common response based on ecumenical relations.

Separately, the interlocutors discussed obstacles to ecumenical unity.

Shevchuk also congratulated Bartholomew on receiving an honorary doctorate honoris causa in theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome. He recalled that he himself received a doctorate in moral theology at this university. In addition, Shevchuk reported that the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations is preparing for a visit to the Phanar in December. Patriarch Bartholomew assured the head of the UGCC of his support and of his prayers for Ukraine's victory.

As the UOJ reported, Patriarch Bartholomew received a doctorate at a Catholic university in Rome. The Patriarchate of Constantinople holds the first place of honor among the Local Orthodox Churches.

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