The Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church formally opened on June 30, 2026, at the Marian Spiritual Center “Zarvanytsia,” with its working sessions taking place from July 1 through 10. The Synod brought together 49 bishops from Ukraine, Central and Western Europe, North and South America, and Australia. Among them was Borys Gudziak, Archbishop and Metropolitan of Philadelphia.
The Synod of Bishops, presided over by the Father and Head of the UGCC, is the highest governing authority of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. Each year, the bishops gather for prayer, to discuss current challenges, and to address matters concerning the life and mission of the Church in Ukraine and throughout the world.
The central theme of the 2026 Synod was “Pastoral Care of Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life.” The bishops assessed the current state of vocations in different parts of the world, discussed the challenges facing young people, and explored ways to support those discerning God’s call.
Particular attention was given to the role of the family, described during the synodal presentations as the “first seminary.” It is within the family that a person learns love, prayer, trust, self-sacrifice, and openness to God’s will. A separate series of sessions focused on vocations to consecrated life, the spiritual accompaniment of young people, and the importance of the personal witness offered by priests and consecrated men and women.
The bishops also examined the impact of war, migration, and demographic change on the life of the Church, particularly on young people and families affected by forced displacement. Reports on the UGCC’s ministry across continents addressed the pastoral realities facing communities—from Ukraine’s front-line regions to Europe, the Americas, and Australia—as well as efforts to preserve Ukrainian Greek Catholic identity in the diaspora and provide pastoral care for Ukrainians forced to leave their homeland because of the war.
Other items on the agenda included the implementation of the synodal path in the life of the Church; the participation of clergy, religious, and laity in its mission; the development of liturgical life; and social ministry during wartime. The bishops were also presented with revised texts of three liturgical books. Tetiana Stawnychy, president of Caritas Ukraine, addressed the need for sustained support for those affected by the war and the Church’s role in rebuilding Ukrainian communities.
One of the Synod’s most significant decisions was the approval of the Code of Canons of the UGCC in its third and final reading, culminating more than ten years of work. During the closing session, the bishops signed the synodal resolutions. The Synod’s communiqué and resolutions will be published at a later date through the UGCC’s official channels.
Throughout the Synod, the bishops prayed for Ukraine, its defenders, and all those affected by the war. Following the massive Russian attack on Ukraine during the night of July 6, they offered a Panakhyda for the civilians who had been killed. The Synod participants also prayed for the repose of the departed bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.
On July 5, during a break in the Synod’s working sessions, Metropolitan Borys Gudziak visited Mukachevo. Together with Bishop Teodor Matsapula, Eparch of Mukachevo, he celebrated a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy marking the patronal feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius Parish.
Based on materials from the UGCC
Photos: UGCC
