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UGCC Head Knows Moscow Patriarchate Complicates Patriarchate Status of UGCC
13-07-2009
KYIV-In his interview for the web-portal Religion in Ukraine on 7 July, 2009, the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) talked about the efforts of the UGCC towards receiving the status of a patriarchate, stressing that the idea about the patriarchate is not new.
"The idea appeared back in the times when Kyiv metropolitans - the Orthodox Petro Mohyla and our Veniamin Rutskyi - talked about the Kyiv Patriarchate. That was the beginning of the 18th century. Later, the idea was developed, especially actively at the end of the 19th century and until 1930s. We are indebted for this to the Blessed Josef Slipyj. He gave an impetus to the development. We exist in this process, and deepen our understanding of a national church. We are duly implementing this vision. We are the church that is present not only in Ukraine but in other countries as well. Therefore, the most important thing for us is internal unity, so that every Christian feels that he needs others in order to be himself.
"There is also an external factor since the apostolic capital or an ecumenical council grant or recognize the status. Now it seems very unlikely that a council of the Catholic Church is going to take place. Therefore, the responsibility for such a decision is apparently laid on the apostolic capital, the Pope. I would like to say that both Pontiffs - John Paul ІІ and Benedict ХVI - said clearly: the time will come when this striving becomes reality. It is not an easy task as someone just signing a decree and everything is done. Such things demand a ‘change of views,' demand development of spirituality, a clear understanding. Personally, I am satisfied with this internal progress that is in our Church in this direction. Because the recognition by the apostolic capital should not be, essentially, a mere formality, an administrative act, but a realization of ecclesiastic attitude. An inner understanding is the most importing aspect in this matter. By the grace of God, we are on this way and are progressing quite well."
In response to the question whether the Moscow Patriarchate affects the process of granting the UGCC the status of a patriarchate, the UGCC head answered: "Yet, it does. I have no doubts. I am absolutely sure in that. I know that some steps were made to complicate this development for us. Unfortunately."
http://www.risu.org.ua/eng/news/article;30072/
