Head of the UGCC took part at the opening of an exhibition of art created by prisoners

On August 19 2009, at 10:00 am, in the show-room of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church Saint Basil the Great (Kyiv, 7 Voznesenskyj Uzviz), an exhibition of art created by prisoners was formally opened to the public. The Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church helped to organize this exhibition, entitled “Transfiguration through God’s Love,” along with the Berlin art gallery Magnificat, the Institute of Social Strategies (LAICHEN of und of BERLIN) and the Art and Prison Society. They also received assistance from the State Criminal Justice Services of Ukraine. The purpose of this exhibit is to allow for the public to gain an understanding of the experiences of their fellow citizens who are imprisoned as well as to inform them about the Church’s pastoral services that contribute to reform within the penitentiary system. The social education department of the State Criminal Justice Services of Ukraine have given 103 works from 98 artists imprisoned in penitentiary institutions from all regions of Ukraine. About 40 more works are expected to be donated in the near future. The exhibit, taking place through the patronage of His Beatitude Lubomyr, will allow for the national selection of works that will go on to compete in the International Competition of Fine Art by the Imprisoned and Convicted in Berlin. Its theme will be “Through the Eyes of Others.” During the Feast of the Transfiguration, 50 best works from Ukraine will be selected by artist judges, that will compete in the 2009 September finale. Further information can be found at the following website: www.kmu.gov.ua/punish/control/uk/publish/article?art_id=64557&cat_id=45347. All participating artists of the exhibition will be awarded with a certificate. Accreditation of journalists:  tel./fax 279-19-20
cell. ph. +380984229221
e-mail: [email protected]
Deacon Kostyantyn Panteley, UGCC representative for matters related to chaplaincy in the penitentiary system of Ukraine tel. 207-34-32
e-mail: [email protected]
Bohdan Stepenko, senior psychologist at the Central Board of the State Department for the implementation of punishments

Information Department of the UGCC