His Beatitude Sviatoslav: Catechetical hunger is a challenge to all of us

Catechesis is one of the essential tasks of the Church

At the beginning of the meeting, His Beatitude Sviatoslav noted that it will go down in history. "Those new circumstances force us to learn to communicate in a new way and to catechize in a new way. Despite them and the distance between us, we are one Church. Together we create a community of catechetical ministry in our Church. Together we think how in the new circumstances it is best to carry out one of the essential tasks of the Church - to teach the faith," said the Head of the UGCC.

Catechesis in a pandemic

According to His Beatitude Sviatoslav, the catechetical work in the conditions of the pandemic has suffered the most this year due to the forced closure of catechetical schools and centers. However, the catechists continued their work. "Therefore, I would like to express my gratitude to all our catechists for their heroic service. It took on new forms, and the Church continues to be a mother and teacher to her children," said the Head of the UGCC.

His Beatitude Sviatoslav also spoke about the successes, which were achieved despite quarantine restrictions. In particular, he congratulated everyone on the implementation of an important project - writing a catechism for young people. "The Synod of Bishops of our Church has officially confirmed the Catechism for Youth Let's Go with Christ. This is a unique and extraordinary event: we showed that, despite the pandemic, we are ready to continue our ministry," the Head of the UGCC emphasized.

"You give them something to eat!"

Speaking about the difficulties due to the global spread of the pandemic, His Beatitude Sviatoslav said: "Today is difficult for everyone. In such circumstances, the questions ‘why?’, ‘how?’ and ‘what's next?’ caused people spiritual hunger. And we also feel another hunger of God's people - catechetical, which is a great challenge for all of us, because it is us who must feed the hungry!"

"Feeling this need, I, like you, today also catechize - I conduct catechesis of adults on our "Zhyve Television," said the Head of the UGCC. "I want to wish all of us that we can adequately and timely respond to this need and hunger of our God's people. For Christ says to us today, as He once said to the apostles, ‘You give them something to eat!’"

At the end of the meeting, His Beatitude Sviatoslav thanked Bishop David Motiuk, Chairman of the Patriarchal Catechetical Commission of the UGCC, and all catechists for their ministry.

Yulia Kozibroda