New UGCC Catechism “Christ Is Our Easter” presented in Rome

On February 4, 2012 in Rome the new Catechism of the UGCC “Christ Is Our Easter” was presented to clergy, monastics, and students and on February 5 to the Greek Catholic laity living in and around Rome.

The first part of the presentation began in the parish of Saints Sergius and Bacchus with a Liturgy led by Fr. Taras Barshevsky. After the service the faithful gathered in the Synod Hall of the Patriarchal Court, where the Catechism was presented.

At the beginning the faithful had a chance to listen to a passage from Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky’s pastoral message and the greeting of His Beatitude Sviatoslav’s delivered at the first official presentation of the Catechism. Afterward, Fr. Taras and Sister Luiza told the audience about the preparation, sources and significance of the new Catechism for the Church and for each Christian.

In conclusion, Fr. Marko Yaroslav Semehen, vice pastor of the parish, thanked His Beatitude Sviatoslav, the Synod of Bishops, and members of the commission for the new Catechism, and encouraged the faithful to actively read it. “I believe that the Catechism will help each of us get closer to God, to know our own traditions and rituals and most importantly to keep our faith and prevent foreign elements from changing it,” said Fr. Marko.

After the presentation, the faithful had a chance to talk to each other at a reception, which was hosted by the Ukrainian Catholic association Saint Sophia.

At lunch time the second part of the presentation was held in the Church of Christ the King. The guests were welcomed by Fr. Porphyry Pidruchny, OSBM, responsible for pastoral care.
The presentation was attended by many parishioners of the Church of Christ the King, together with proto-archimandrite of the Basilian Order Vasyl Kovbych, Fr. Carlos Melnicki, and members of the student community.