His Beatitude Sviatoslav met with the Mayor of Dubno

UGCC Head His Beatitude Sviatoslav paid a visit of respect to Vasyl Antoniuk, mayor of Dubno.  During the conversation, His Beatitude Sviatoslav thanked the mayor for the “authentic democracy” since as UGCC Head stated “such democracy is marked by the comfort in the development of the smallest minority.”  UGCC Primate emphasized that Dubno residents always exhibited a high level of education, intellect and culture and the city served as a center of education.  Information was provided by Rev. Volodymyr Zinko. The city mayor noted that the Greek-Catholic community in Dubno is relatively young, yet significant.  Mr. Antoniuk shared plans for creating a Holodomor [Great Famine] monument which will be built on the grounds of the parish of the Ascension of the Lord and informed all of the City Council decision to assist in beautifying the grounds around the church. There was a press conference during which local reporters could pose questions to His Beatitude Sviatoslav, which had become somewhat traditional during the visit (election of the new Pope, personal acquaintance of Pope Francis and His Beatitude Sviatoslav, service in Argentina, advice for Great Lent, plans for the 1025^th anniversary of the Baptism of Rus-Ukraine) as well as youth morals, possibilities of development of UGCC schools and educational activities. At the end, the Mayor of Dubno presented to UGCC Head a painting depicting all the churches in Dubno.  His Beatitude Sviatoslav gave the mayor a souvenir medallion, cast for the 80^th birthday of His Beatitude Lubomyr and the 55^th anniversary of his priesthood.  The meeting ended with a group photograph. UGCC Department of Information