Head of UGCC: Coronavirus prevented Ukraine from joining EU

Head of the UGCC Sviatoslav Shevchuk. Photo: news.ugcc.ua

The head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Sviatoslav Shevchuk, complained in an interview with the Polish Catholic News Agency (KAI) that the coronavirus pandemic had frozen activities to implement "our European aspirations."

The issue of Ukraine's integration into the EU should consolidate Ukrainian society, Shevchuk is convinced.

"We want not only politicians, but also the widest possible social circles to participate in building a free Ukraine as a member of the European Union. There is a lot of talk about this, but words are not followed by concrete deeds. First of all, we must raise awareness of our society and do everything possible to unite our European aspirations. This is a project to consolidate our nation," said the head of the UGCC, adding that "the pandemic has largely frozen our activities in this area."

We will remind, according to Shevchuk, "Ukraine made a choice for the future of Europe during the Maidan, and this choice was reaffirmed not only by political narrative and official documents, but also by the bloodshed of people on the Maidan."

Read also

OCU Holds Service in Seized Cherkasy Church—But Nobody Came

Photos reveal nearly deserted worship in St. Andrew’s Church after its seizure from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC)

Romanian Orthodox Hierarchs Propose Five Women for Canonization

Canonization effort highlights upcoming Commemorative Year of Holy Women in 2026.

St. Olga of Alaska Officially Glorified in Her Hometown of Kwethluk

First North American female saint honored in historic vigil attended by hundreds of pilgrims and hierarchs.

Pro-Constantinople Outlet Reports on Violent Cathedral Seizure in Chernivtsi

An article from the Orthodox Times highlights rising attacks against UOC faithful and clergy amid escalating church property disputes.

Metropolitan Longin Alleges Assassination Plot Against Him

Bancheny hierarch claims a group from Ivano-Frankivsk was sent to kill him.

Archbishop of Cyprus: Decision on Metropolitan Tychikos’ Appeal Expected in August

Hierarch retains presumption of innocence amid ongoing review by Ecumenical Patriarchate.