The number of UGCC parishes abroad exceeds the number of parishes on the territory of Ukraine itself - Shevchuk

The head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC), Sviatoslav Shevchuk, has said that most of the UGCC structures, including dioceses and exarchates, are located outside Ukraine. He emphasized the unique position of the UGCC as «a global network that unites the world Ukrainian community and acts as a voice of Ukrainian society on the international arena».

According to the UGCC press service, Sviatoslav Shevchuk noted that the number of UGCC parishes abroad exceeds the number of parishes on the territory of Ukraine itself. «Today we occupy a unique position compared to other Churches in Ukraine: we are almost the only Church that has a worldwide network of its structures. Few people know that the majority of dioceses and exarchates of the UGCC are located outside Ukraine,» emphasized the head of the UGCC.

Summarizing the results of 2023, Shevchuk pointed out that the UGCC is actively «building the unity of the Ukrainian world community.» According to him, the UGCC is perceived by international organizations as the voice of Ukrainian society. «For example, when it comes to voting in the UN for this or that resolution. They all look at our Church as the voice of Ukrainian civil society. Everyone is interested in how Ukrainians live, are they still ready to defend themselves?», — explained the head of Greek Catholics.

We will remind, earlier we reported that the permanent synod of the UGCC for the first time will hold its working meetings in Australia. A delegation of bishops headed by Sviatoslav Shevchuk will gather in Melbourne to discuss pastoral issues, analyze the current situation in Ukraine and hold a number of meetings with the Ukrainian community, as well as with religious and political figures in the country.