Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church’s Annual Synod in Rome
The liturgy was a significant component of the annual Synod of Bishops hosted by the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. This synod, which spans from September 3 to September 13, was held in Rome.
Meeting Between Pope Francis and Ukrainian Greek Catholic Bishops
In the preceding week, Pope Francis engaged in a lengthy meeting, lasting nearly two hours, with the 45 bishops representing the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church during their participation in the synod.
Attendance at the Liturgy in St. Peter’s Basilica
Approximately 2,500 individuals of Ukrainian origin were present at the liturgical event held in St. Peter’s Basilica. The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church provided this attendance figure. Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, the former prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Catholic Churches, also joined in the liturgy.
Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, presided over a Divine Liturgy on September 10, 2023. This significant event took place within the context of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church’s annual Synod of Bishops, occurring from September 3 to September 13 in Rome.
Words of Encouragement
Addressing the Ukrainian Catholics assembled in St. Peter’s Basilica, Shevchuk expressed poignant words of encouragement. He remarked, “I look at you and cry because your Ukraine is crying for you! But I know that God loves us, and we will all return home one day. With the power of love for our homeland, for our people, we will win.”
Commemoration of St. Josaphat Kuntsevych
The liturgy also served as a commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the martyrdom of St. Josaphat Kuntsevych. St. Josaphat, a 17th-century Ruthenian Catholic monk and bishop, played a pivotal role in inspiring many Eastern Orthodox Christians to reestablish full communion with the Catholic Church through his unwavering faith and example.
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