The head of the UGCC Sviatoslav Shevchuk stated about the critical financial situation of the organization's clerics

The head of the UGCC, Sviatoslav Shevchuk, reported serious material difficulties faced by a significant part of the clergy. According to the results of an independent survey commissioned by the organization’s synod, many clerics and their families live below the poverty line, lacking funds even for basic needs such as food and clothing.

Broadcast on Live TV, the data from the social survey stunned church leadership. It turned out that 38% of UGCC clerics cannot afford to buy necessary clothes and shoes, and 3% of respondents do not have enough money to buy food.

Shevchuk emphasized that material deprivation affects not only the clerics themselves, but also their families — wives and children. Despite the difficult economic situation, the study revealed a high level of spiritual fortitude: 92% of respondents said that they feel happy in their ministry and are ready to «lay down their lives for their flock».

It should be noted that a significant part of the UGCC structures are currently located abroad, but the report did not specify whether such financial problems apply to clerics living and serving outside of Ukraine.