The Head of the UGCC and the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine condemned "extremist speech of a priest “

" We call on all citizens of Ukraine to understand, unite, inter-religious and inter-ethnic harmony and dialogue. We ask all believers to strengthen their prayers for peace , harmony and prosperity of Ukraine and its people , and not to respond to provocations , including those of pseudo-religious form "-  the Head of the UGCC and the Chief Rabbi of Kyiv and Ukraine appeal to society.

This petition they wrote as the a respond to escalation of social and political situation in Ukraine and the extremist speech of priest Michael Arsenych which is rapidly spreading through the Internet. Add that the mentioned above sermon of Michael Arsenych who serves in Kolomiya- Chernivtsi Diocese of UGCC is featured with aggressiveness and radicalism. Therefore, as we can read in the appeal, such views " have nothing to do with the views and practices of the UGCC , and are contrary to the official doctrine of the Church and its guidelines of priesthood."

"In this regard, a great feat of primate Cardinal Andrey Sheptytskyi and many Greek Catholic priests, who saved Jews from the Nazis during the Second World War , despite the threat to be murdered by the occupation regime , publicly opposed the killings, even in the time of war - speaks for itself "- is said in the appeal.

 UGCC Department of Information

The joint appeal to the faithful and the entire

Ukrainian society

Dear brothers and sisters!

In connection with the worsening of socio-political situation in Ukraine and extremist , xenophobic remarks priest of Michael Arsenych which are spreading rapidly on the Internet , we claim:

1. We strongly condemn the December speech of priest Mykhaylo Arsenych which clearly contradicts the mission of a priest.

We claim that such views have nothing to do with the views and practices of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church , and that the above views are contrary to the official doctrine of the Church and its guidelines of priesthood. In this regard, a great feat of primate Cardinal Andrew Sheptitskogo and many Greek Catholic priests, who saved Jews from the Nazis during the Second World War , despite the threat to be murdered by the occupation regime , publicly opposed the killings, even in the time of war - speaks for itself

2. We call on all citizens of Ukraine to understand, unite, find inter-religious and inter-ethnic harmony and dialogue.

3. We also encourage all the faithful to intensify their prayers for peace , harmony and prosperity of Ukraine and its people , and in any case not to respond to provocations , including those of pseudo religious  form.

         Remember that the power of Ukraine and its people in unity!

His Beatitude Svyatoslav (Shevchuk), the Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Major Kiev- Galician Archbishop

Rabbi Yaakov Dov Bleich, the Chief Rabbi of Kyiv and Ukraine