On the Feast of the Transfiguration, August 19, 2023, the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Lord in Kolomyia hosted the Rite of Episcopal Consecration of Fr. Petro Holiney, ordained by His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the UGCC, together with Bishop Vasyl Ivasyuk, Eparch of Kolomyia, and Bishop Dionysius Lyakhovych, Apostolic Exarch in Italy.
At the beginning of the Rite, Bishop Andriy Khimyak, Secretary of the Synod of Bishops of the UGCC, read the Decree of the Head of the UGCC on the proclamation of Fr. Petro Holiney as Bishop of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. “Given the pastoral needs and the salvation of God-loving people, we, with authority vested in us, having considered the advice of the diocesan bishop of the Diocese of Kolomyia Vasyl Ivasyuk, having received the consent of the Synod of Bishops of the UGCC and the blessing of Pope Francis, which was announced on July 12, 2023, we ordain and proclaim you Bishop of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church with the title of the Episcopal See of Abrita,” the decree reads.
As we reported, on July 12, 2023, the Vatican announced that His Holiness Pope Francis blessed the decision of the Synod of Bishops of the UGCC to appoint Fr. Petro Holiney. He was granted the titular seat of Abrita.
Bishop Andriy also read the decree appointing Bishop Petro Holiney as Auxiliary Bishop of the Kolomyia Eparchy. “Dear brother, you will carry out the episcopal ministry as an auxiliary bishop to the diocesan bishop. Be his support in performing his duties, and always conform your actions to him. Respect him as your father so that others respect you. You are joining the flock of bishops of the Diocese of Kolomyia, which has a glorious history and great heroes of the faith. Preserve and multiply their work, dear bishop!” the Head of the UGCC called on the newly ordained bishop in his decree.
The Decree of Installation also referred to Bishop Petro’s entry into ministry when a bloody, invasive war is ongoing in our God-blessed lands. Therefore, the newly ordained bishop faces a long and difficult period of healing the wounds caused by it. “Be ready, dear bishop, to minister to all who have suffered losses from this cruel war. We ask the merciful Lord Jesus Christ to strengthen and maintain you and your faithful throughout the trials. May God’s just peace come to our land through your prayers and service!” the decree reads.
Afterwards, the newly ordained Bishop Petro Holiney pronounced his confession of faith and, laying his hand on the Gospel, took oaths of allegiance to the Ecumenical Bishop, Father and Head of the UGCC, and served Great Vespers.
The episcopal ordination of the new bishop of the UGCC took place on August 20, 2023, at 11:00 AM in the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Lord in Kolomyia.
As we reported, on July 12, 2023, the Vatican announced that His Holiness Pope Francis blessed the decision of the Synod of Bishops of the UGCC to appoint Fr. Petro Holiney. He was granted the titular seat of Abrita.