On February 7, a historic event took place in the church of the Nativity of the Holy Theotokos - Kamyanets-Podilsk Diocese of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church was established.
On February 7, a historic event took place in the church of the Nativity of the Holy Theotokos - Kamyanets-Podilsk Diocese of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church was established.
It was reported by the Information Department of the UGCC.
On this occasion, Patriarch Sviatoslav (Shevchuk), together with the hierarchs of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the UGCC and Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, apostolic nuncio in Ukraine, celebrated the Divine Liturgy.
During worship, before saying a sermon, Secretary of the Synod of Bishops Bohdan (Dziurakh), read the decree on the establishment of the diocese. The paper presents a detailed historical overview of this administrative unit of the Church.
The area of the newly created diocese extends to Khmelnytskyy region; it will make part of Ternopil-Zboriv Metropolis of the UGCC. The city of Khmelnytskyy was selected as the see of the diocesan bishop of Kamyanets-Podilsk Diocese.
The patriarch of the UGCC explained in his sermon why the Church establishes the new structural units, opens new dioceses, builds new churches, establishes new episcopal Sees.
He also thanked all those who contributed to the making of the UGCC.
“Let us make a special mention of the work and dedication of Metropolitan Vasyl. Multiple scars were imprinted on his heart through his tireless apostolic ministry in Podillya. I thank the priests, clergymen and monastics, who are working tirelessly and are apostles of the Divine Mercy. I extend my special gratitude to fellow seminarians in Ternopil Seminary who know what it means to build a church as a community through catechetical work, charitable activities, and also know to build a temple in a month,” the Primate of the Church said.
Background: In 1996, Kyiv-Vyshhorod Exarchate of the UGCC was established, which included Khmelnytskyy region. Later, in 2002, in Khmelnytskyy region five priests performed their ministry in seven parishes: in Kamyanets-Podilsk (two parishes) and in the villages near Khmelnytskyy (three parishes).
On October 21, 2003, the Holy Synod of Bishops of the UGCC transferred Khmelnytskyy under the pastoral care and later joined it to Ternopil-Zboriv diocese. Over thirteen years this area has developed rapidly and now two deaneries – of Kamyanets-Podilsk and Khmelnytskyy – operate here (76 parishes and 52 churches).