The Head of the UGCC Calls on the Orthodox Church for Bilateral Dialogue.

The Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church is interested in starting a bilateral dialogue with the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. This was stated by the Head of the UGCC, Sviatoslav (Shevchuk), in his interview with 'Radio Free Europe'.

'We would very much like it to begin. And so from the very first moment of the Unification Council (of the OCU), which took place in St. Sophia, the granting of the tomos. We were the first to extend our hand. We desire this communication, this dialogue, and we are working on it,' said the Head of the UGCC.

The Head of the UGCC noted that there is already a mixed Orthodox-Catholic theological commission between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church, which conducts ecumenical dialogue and attempts to align positions on issues of dogmatics and canon. He also recognized that the Orthodox Church of Ukraine has a priority in rapprochement with other Orthodox churches in Ukraine.

'It is very important for the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, which today is in communion with the Ecumenical Patriarchate, to be gradually recognized by all other local Orthodox churches. I think this is very important today for our Orthodox brothers,' emphasized the Head of the UGCC.

In December 2022, the Head of the UGCC and the Metropolitan of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine discussed the possibility of creating a working group to study the reform of the church calendar. This initiative aims to coordinate the transition to a new calendar regarding the celebration of the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea, which will be celebrated in 2025.

We remind you that the Head of the UGCC, Sviatoslav Shevchuk, congratulated Ukrainians on Christmas.