Metropolitan Ihor of Lviv: Pope's Seal Is Only Thing Lacking For Patriarchate of UGCC

Today, we have come even closer to the patriarchal structure of our Church, and its proclamation is not a distant future. So stated the newly appointed Metropolitan Ihor (Vozniak) of UGCC after the ceremony of enthronement.

According to the hierarch, no changes are expected in the metropolitanate in the nearest future. Therefore, in the beginning, its eparchies will function as usual.  

“One should not expect dramatic changes in the eparchies. Even though a metropolitan is vested with certain government powers, namely, to gather the clergy, participate in the consecration, etc., but I will not use that right to pass strategic decisions. At least in the beginning.”  

As regards the possible time of proclamation of the Patriarchate of UGCC, Archbishop and Metropolitan Ihor of Lviv stressed that the Church has been ready for that status for a long time. Today’s enthronement and proclamation of the Lviv metropolitanate is an indication thereof. It is up to Vatican now.

“We can only wait. Wait for the Pope’s seal. That is all!” stated Metropolitain Ihor.