The Head of the UGCC discussed with the Ambassador of Netherlands the role of the UGCC in Ukraine: Kyiv centrism is a part of the UGCC identity

Saturday, 03 July 2021, 15:25

The Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church His Beatitude Sviatoslav held a working meeting with Johannes de Mol, the ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ukraine in the patriarchal residence.

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The meeting was initiated by Mr. Ambassador.

Following the influence of Churches on people’s lives in Ukraine, Mr. Johannes de Mol acknowledged the UGCC as a leader of public opinion, particularly in the context interreligious performance regarding particular directions.

The Head of the UGCC, primarily, told Mr. Ambassador what the ratio in presence of the Head of the UGCC consists of.

Besides, The Major Archbishop gave a rundown of history of Kyiv Christianity, mainly the history of union movements and reminded that the Union of Brest turns 425 this year.

The Head of the Church also told the Ambassador how The UGCC used to live in the underground in times of Soviet Union, its way out of catacombs and how Pope John Paul II beatified its martyrs twenty years ago. Thus, as for him, the UGCC started flowing into the context of Ukrainian society.

Speaking of the residence of the Head of the Church in Kyiv, the Major Archbishop pointed out that this is the matter of historical equity, as we came back to the origin of Kyiv Christianity and this center gives an opportunity to carry out all the tasks of the local Church present across Ukraine, addressing the whole Ukrainian society despite a confession.

Mr. Johannes de Mol said that he was carefully tracking the position of Churches regarding quarantine restrictions and vaccination. He was interested in the history of the UGCC, vision of social processes generally.

Specifically he was curious about how the UGCC builds up relationships with other Churches in Ukraine. A part of the discussion was revolving around an ecumenical concept of the UGCC.

Mr. de Mol asked about the role of the UGCC in international relations, especially when it comes world Ukrainian community and how the Church cares for immigrants.

The Ambassador also asked to tell about the communication between the UGCC and Ukrainian society and emphasized its role in transforming Ukrainian society.

The UGCC Department of Information