In Rome, UGCC Head met with Ukrainian seminarians

Thursday, 20 March 2014, 09:17

On March 16th, His Beatitude Sviatoslav met with the seminarians and the Rectorate of Ukrainian Papal Institute of the Holy Intercession in Rome. UGCC Head told the future priests about the situation in Ukraine and emphasized the necessity of chaplain services for those who suffered on the Maidan.

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UGCC Prelate noted that today priests face new challenges in pastoral services and care of people who are experiencing the syndrome of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. UGCC Head also talked about the importance of chaplain service for the soldiers: “Today the presence of priests among the defenders of the Homeland is very necessary. We have to be together with our soldiers and support them in these uneasy times.”

In commenting on the role of the Church in the events which have occurred in Ukraine, His Beatitude Sviatoslav stressed that priests should not get involved in the political processes, however it does not mean that they do not have a right to a citizen’s position, especially when it is necessary to speak the truth and to fight for it.

The Hierarch thanked the Ukrainian students in Rome who in an environment of misinformation and propaganda present the real Ukraine. UGCC Head urged the students to organize at their universities Days of Prayer for Ukraine and to tell their international colleagues the truth about the events in Ukraine,” emphasized UGCC Head.

Saint Sophia Association Press Service