UGCC leader: We have a patriarchate, it functions, but it is not recognized
Head of the UGCC Sviatoslav Shevchuk. Photo: catholicnewsagency.com
Head of the UGCC Sviatoslav Shevchuk stated that the UGCC has eight metropolises and a unified legislative body – the Synod of Bishops, which means that the Uniates have a patriarchate, but it has not yet been recognized. He said this in an interview with Hromadske.
"Today we have eight metropolises: four in Ukraine and four abroad. And we have a unified legislative body called the Synod of Bishops. Our bishops do not directly subordinate to the Vatican. Therefore, we have a patriarchate," he explained.
According to Shevchuk, 30 years is a short period, and it takes time for the UGCC to be recognized both by the Vatican and among the Orthodox world not only in Ukraine but also abroad.
"Today there is a question of who should recognize this patriarchate, who has such authority. Some say – only an Ecumenical Council. And others say – no, only the Pope can do it. I think that the issue of recognition is a matter of time," said the UGCC leader.
As reported earlier, "bishop" of the OCU Hryhoriy Kryzyna stated that the Union of Brest, which created the Greek Catholic Church on the territory of modern Ukraine, "was a mistake".
Read also
Greece signs memorandum on protection of Jerusalem Patriarchate's shrines
Next week, the Greek Parliament will ratify a document on the protection of the cultural heritage of the Jerusalem Patriarchate.
Greek bishop calls imposition of same-sex marriage a threat
Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythera urged families to become a “domestic church” amid threats to the Christian family in Greek laws and school curricula.
Patriarch Bartholomew arrives in Budapest for opening of Orthodox center
The Ecumenical Patriarch has arrived in Hungary, where he will preside over the consecration of the Orthodox center "Phanarion."
OCU raiders stage attack on seized church in Kyiv, media
OCU "hierarch" Serhiy Horobtsov published a provocative post online regarding St. John's Church in Bykivnia seized by his people.