The Head of the UGCC met with representatives of the Coordination Staff on Handling Prisoners of War

This was reported by the Information Department of the UGCC.

The meeting took place at the residence of the Head of the UGCC and was also attended by the head of the Department of External Relations of the UGCC in Ukraine, Father Oleksa Petriv.

During the meeting, they discussed issues related to pastoral care for military personnel and chaplaincy services in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The staff secretary expressed gratitude to the Head of the UGCC for comprehensive support to Ukraine's defenders and their families during this challenging period in our history.

They also touched upon the issue of the illegal detention of civilians by the Russian Federation, including members of the clergy. His Beatitude Sviatoslav drew attention to the fact that Ukrainian Greek Catholic priests Bohdan Heleta and Ivan Levytskyi have been held in Russian captivity since November 2022, violating the commitments made under international humanitarian law.

Among other things, they discussed mechanisms for enhancing cooperation between the Coordination Staff and the Apostolic See. Dmytro Usov asked to convey gratitude to His Holiness Pope Francis, who, in his Easter message, called on Russia and Ukraine to conduct an exchange of prisoners "all for all." He added that such a format of exchanges lies in the realm of morality and Christian ethics, and Ukraine will make every effort to implement it.

"We hope for support and are grateful to all who help us," said Dmytro Usov. "Our goal is to liberate all Ukrainians from captivity."

His Beatitude Sviatoslav assured that the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church will continue to support Ukrainian defenders and their families and is ready to fully contribute to the prompt return of all captive Ukrainians to their families.

At the end of the meeting, the Head of the UGCC exchanged commemorative gifts with representatives of the Coordination Staff.