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