Every Ukrainian, regardless of social status, was important, valuable, and noteworthy for Metropolitan Andrei. The UGCC was formed as an institution that cares for the spiritual and temporal interests of every citizen. This was stated by the Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church His Beatitude Sviatoslav in his letter to the participants of the online conference "Sheptytsky-155," which is dedicated to the 155th anniversary of the birth of the righteous Metropolitan Andrei Sheptytsky.
The church became popular during the time of the metropolitan, the Primate added, also because, according to the metropolitan's plan, she rooted her preaching of the Word of God in the Ukrainian language and culture.
He noted that at a time when in various European countries the Church served as part of the state mechanism, the UGCC under the leadership of Andrei Sheptytsky did not become an instrument of a foreign state, but sided with oppressed and discriminated people.
"In the history of the UGCC, Metropolitan Andrei was not just a prominent figure, he became her builder. Sheptytsky gave our Church a new form and way of preaching the Gospel of Christ at that time. His archpastoral activity during the first 44 years of the twentieth century laid the foundations that still guide our Greek Catholic community - the clergy, monks, and laity," said the Head of the UGCC.
The Greek Catholic Church in the years of Metropolitan Andrew, said His Beatitude Sviatoslav, acquired a face that distinguished her from other Churches. First of all, she was established as the Church of the Byzantine tradition, in communion with the Apostolic See, the Church of the Ukrainian people and Ukrainian cultural heritage, as well as the Church called to promote mutual understanding and dialogue.
As we reported , from September 26 to 30, 2020, the Holy Dormition Univ Lavra host an international online academic conference dedicated to the 155th anniversary of the birth of Metropolitan Andrei Sheptytsky. The event is held under the patronage of the Father and Head of the UGCC, His Beatitude Sviatoslav.