UGCC leader: We have a patriarchate, it functions, but it is not recognized
Head of the UGCC Sviatoslav Shevchuk. Photo: catholicnewsagency.com
Head of the UGCC Sviatoslav Shevchuk stated that the UGCC has eight metropolises and a unified legislative body – the Synod of Bishops, which means that the Uniates have a patriarchate, but it has not yet been recognized. He said this in an interview with Hromadske.
"Today we have eight metropolises: four in Ukraine and four abroad. And we have a unified legislative body called the Synod of Bishops. Our bishops do not directly subordinate to the Vatican. Therefore, we have a patriarchate," he explained.
According to Shevchuk, 30 years is a short period, and it takes time for the UGCC to be recognized both by the Vatican and among the Orthodox world not only in Ukraine but also abroad.
"Today there is a question of who should recognize this patriarchate, who has such authority. Some say – only an Ecumenical Council. And others say – no, only the Pope can do it. I think that the issue of recognition is a matter of time," said the UGCC leader.
As reported earlier, "bishop" of the OCU Hryhoriy Kryzyna stated that the Union of Brest, which created the Greek Catholic Church on the territory of modern Ukraine, "was a mistake".
Read also
ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill
Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown
Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.
Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions
A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.
Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law
Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.
Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment
The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.
Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful
Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.