UGCC head: Idea of Ukrainian and Russian women carrying a cross offensive
The head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Sviatoslav Shevchuk, said that the Pope's idea of a cross being carried by a Ukrainian and a Russian woman in the Colosseum procession was unacceptable in the context of the ongoing war, reports the official website of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.
He noted that for Greek Catholics in Ukraine this is "incomprehensible and even offensive, especially in the context of the expected second, the even bloodier advance of Russian troops on our cities and villages."
"I know that our Roman Catholic brothers share these thoughts and concerns as well," the UGCC head added.
Shevchuk said he has already conveyed to the Vatican numerous negative reactions from a host of bishops, priests, monks and laity who are convinced that gestures of reconciliation between the two nations will only be possible when the war ends and the perpetrators of crimes against humanity are justly condemned.
The procession in the Coliseum will take place on 15 April, the Friday before Catholic Easter. Pope Francis has invited family members of a Ukrainian and a Russian citizen, who have worked together for many years at a hospice in Rome, to participate in the ceremony. They are to hold a large wooden cross for part of the procession. Ukrainian Ambassador to the Vatican Andrey Yurash also expressed his disagreement with the Pope's idea.
Read also
Fr. Stephen Freeman: Modernity Is a Protestant Heresy
Fr. Stephen says that "making the world a better place" is a modern lie - human beings cannot be reinvented, as to be human is a tradition that is handed down.
'Green Patriarch' Awarded 2025 Templeton Prize at Lincoln Center
In an event that included speeches from Jane Goodall, Al Gore, and a benediction from an Episcopal bishop, Pat. Bartholomew was honored for decades of global environmental advocacy.
Restoration of Renowned Alaverdi Monastery Complex in Georgia Nears Completion
Georgian Prime Minister and Parliament Speaker inspect restoration works at one of the country’s most important sacred sites
Paul Kingsnorth: As the West Falters, a Religious Reawakening Begins
Disillusioned with secular modernity, the West may be entering what thinkers like Yeats and Spengler foresaw — a "second religiousness" amid cultural collapse.
Greek Orthodox Priest Placed on Leave After Solicitation Arrest in Ohio
Fr. Dean Dimon charged in statewide human trafficking sting, removed from duties pending legal proceedings.
Armenian Court Finds Archbishop Guilty of Sedition
Abp. Mikael Ajapakhyan denies the charges, calling the case politically motivated. In court, he stated that despite being imprisoned, he feels free and grateful for the chance to “speak with God and with myself.”