Patriarch Sviatoslav Calls for Monks to Move to Kyiv

On December 26, in the retreat center of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Briukhovychi, Lviv, a session of the Commission on Matters of Monasticism was held with the participation of Patriarch Sviatoslav (Shevchuk). The head of the UGCC reminded the audience that the Synod of Bishops at its last session called the ministers to support the persons who have a vocation to consecrated life.

“The strategy adopted by the bishops is not only about vocation to priesthood but also to consecrated life,” stressed Patriarch Sviatoslav.

The patriarch called the monastics to transfer the provincial houses of the orders and associations to the capital.

“The synodal descision contains an address to the bishops regarding the presence of representatives of the monastics in the eparchies. I would like most of the provincial houses of the monastic orders and associations to be transferred from Lviv to Kyiv. This will dramatically change your vision of your presence in the Church,” said the hierarch.

Patriarch Sviatoslav also asked the participants to help to prepare a pastoral address to the monastics. "Without your cooperation, no such program can be implemented, for it is needed both in Galicia and the eastern Ukraine," stressed the patriarch.