Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church issues statement on events in Kyiv
(Vatican Radio) “We are profoundly disturbed by the actions of the state security
forces on the Maydan Square in heart of Kyiv conducted under the cover of the night.”
In a statement issued Wednesday, the Permanent Synod of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic
Church (UGCC) has strongly denounced the police action against protestors in Kyiv’s
“Independence Square.”
The statement, signed by Major Archbishop Sviatoslav
Shevchuk and the members of the permanent synod, condemned “the action directed towards
restricting civil liberties, especially the freedom of expression and peaceful civic
manifestation of the citizens of Ukraine.”
The Permanent Synod also expressed
its support for “the peaceful character of this civic gathering” and declared its
“rejection of any type of violence.”
Below, please find the complete
text of the Declaration of the Permanent Synod of the UGCC:
We are
profoundly disturbed by the actions of the state security forces on the Maydan Square
in heart of Kyiv conducted under the cover of the night.
We condemn the action
directed towards restricting civil liberties, especially the freedom of expression
and peaceful civic manifestation of the citizens of Ukraine.
We declare our
support and solidarity with all those on the Maydan Square who are standing with dignity
and witnessing to the dignity of their fellow citizens and of the whole nation.
We
strongly support the peaceful character of this civic gathering and declare our rejection
of any type of violence.
We pray to God Almighty for peace, justice and the
triumph of truth for our people.
In this time of great trial by the words of
Jesus Christ that were proclaimed in all of our churches this past Sunday offer encouragement:
"Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed!" (Lk 8, 50)
May the
blessing of the Lord be upon you! +Sviatoslav Major Archbishop of Kyiv and
Halych Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church
And the members of the
Permanent Synod: +Volodymyr Viytyshyn, Archbishop and Metropolitan of Ivano Frankivsk +Ken
Nowakowski Eparch of New Westminster (Canada) +Borys Gudziak, Eparch of the Eparchy
of St. Volodymyr the Great in Paris +Yaroslav Pryriz, Eparch of Sambir-Drohobych +Bohdan
Dzhiurakh, Bishop and Secretary of the Permanent Synod of the UGCC