UGCC leader: We have a patriarchate, it functions, but it is not recognized

Head of the UGCC Sviatoslav Shevchuk. Photo: catholicnewsagency.com

Head of the UGCC Sviatoslav Shevchuk stated that the UGCC has eight metropolises and a unified legislative body – the Synod of Bishops, which means that the Uniates have a patriarchate, but it has not yet been recognized. He said this in an interview with Hromadske.

"Today we have eight metropolises: four in Ukraine and four abroad. And we have a unified legislative body called the Synod of Bishops. Our bishops do not directly subordinate to the Vatican. Therefore, we have a patriarchate," he explained.

According to Shevchuk, 30 years is a short period, and it takes time for the UGCC to be recognized both by the Vatican and among the Orthodox world not only in Ukraine but also abroad.

"Today there is a question of who should recognize this patriarchate, who has such authority. Some say – only an Ecumenical Council. And others say – no, only the Pope can do it. I think that the issue of recognition is a matter of time," said the UGCC leader.

As reported earlier, "bishop" of the OCU Hryhoriy Kryzyna stated that the Union of Brest, which created the Greek Catholic Church on the territory of modern Ukraine, "was a mistake".

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