Norms which regulate stay of priests outside their eparchies was established by the Synod of Bishops of the UGCC at their session held March 30 – September 29, 2021.
“Priest’s attribution is an ancient institute of Canonic Law. First Council of Nicaea refers to it in Canon 15 with what it assigned “bishops, priests and deacons”, who, “regardless of the canon were changing cities up to their preferences, hereby “causing chaos and disputes”. Errant priests were disturbing public peace”, the decree states.
Along with this the document emphasizes necessity of priests, authorized by their bishops, be ready to serve in places where there is a need due to lack of priests.
Completing the procedure as stipulated by law, the Father and Head of the UGCC declared Instruction on the stay of priests outside their eparchies, deciding to bring this document into force two mounts after its e-publication on the official website of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.