The Synod focused on several pressing topics, including the current military situation in Ukraine and the challenges posed by the ongoing war, the UGCC’s participation in the second session of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops of the Catholic Church, and preparations for the upcoming UGCC Synod of Bishops in 2025. The pastoral situation in the Eparchy of the Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and initiatives to commemorate the 450th anniversary of the birth of Metropolitan Josyf Veliamyn Rutsky were also discussed. Several reports and discussions enriched the Synod, offering insights and fostering collective decision-making.
On December 10, the bishops visited the Apostolic Nunciature in Ukraine, where they expressed their gratitude to Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine. They commended his steadfast support for Ukraine and his efforts to communicate the truth about the suffering of the Ukrainian people to the Vatican and international institutions.
On December 11, the Synod members met with Oleksandr Lytvynenko, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. During the meeting, Metropolitan Borys Gudziak, Bishop Bryan Bayda, and Bishop Volodymyr Yuschak shared updates on the challenges and achievements of Ukrainian communities under their pastoral care in the USA, Canada, and Poland, respectively. Later that day, the bishops visited the Three Holy Hierarchs Theological Seminary in Kyiv. They toured the facilities, learned about the seminary’s formation programs, participated in Vespers, and engaged in conversations with the seminarians. His Beatitude Sviatoslav highlighted the importance of such interactions, stating, “The seminary is the future of our Church.”
Metropolitan Borys expressed his deep appreciation for the resilience of Ukraine’s defenders, especially seminarians’ families. He remarked, “In the past, we had to explain at length who Ukrainians are. Today, that is no longer necessary. Ukraine has become the epicenter of global change. Your steadfastness inspires, and the world supports Ukraine, including American Catholics. Whether in a small village in Pennsylvania or the heart of Washington, you will see the Ukrainian flag.”
The Synod concluded on December 13 with a meeting between His Beatitude Sviatoslav, the bishops, and Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andriy Sybiha. Minister Sybiha expressed gratitude for the UGCC’s spiritual care of Ukrainians abroad and emphasized the Church’s vital role in fostering unity among Ukrainians worldwide. He stated, “Your spiritual care is an extraordinary contribution to the resilience of Ukrainians. For us, all Ukrainians worldwide are one community, and I am grateful for the Church’s role in uniting our people abroad.”
Source – ugcc.ua
