UGCC reveals the theme for Synod of Bishops 2023 that will be held in Rome

This was reported by the UGCC Information Department.

Bishop Andriy Khiyak, Secretary of the Synod of Bishops of the UGCC, explained why this year's Synod of Bishops of the UGCC is taking place in Rome.

"Due to the ongoing hostilities in Ukraine caused by the massive invasion of Russian occupying forces, the bishops have decided to hold the next Synod of Bishops in Rome. Rome is the heart of the Catholic Church, from where the life of the Church pulsates to all corners of the world. Therefore, being here provides an opportunity to bear witness to the truth about the current war situation in Ukraine. At the same time, Rome is the place of residence and ministry of His Holiness Pope Francis, who is constantly concerned about the fate, as he himself emphasizes, of the long-suffering Ukrainian people and is making significant efforts to bring peace to Europe. Rome is also the resting place of the saint of our Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church, Josaphat Kuntsevych, whose 400th anniversary of martyrdom we are commemorating this year," the hierarch reported.

According to Bishop Andriy Khiyak, the main theme of this year's Synod of Bishops of the UGCC, in light of the Russian war against Ukraine, has been chosen as "Pastoral Care for the Victims of War."

"This primarily concerns the defenders of our state and their families, those who were in captivity, under violent occupation, or were deported. It also includes those who lost their loved ones, those whose homes were destroyed or property stolen, and those who have been physically, psychologically, or emotionally wounded during this war, as well as families separated by distance. This will be a discussion and development of pastoral practices for all Ukrainians in need of help and support from the Church," explained the Secretary of the Synod of Bishops of the UGCC.

He added that the Synod of Bishops of the UGCC will begin on September 3 with a liturgy at the Cathedral of St. Sophia in Rome, after which the bishops will have the opportunity to meet with faithful Ukrainians in the diaspora, migrant workers, and refugees.

Another significant event of this year's Synod will be the meeting of the bishops with Pope Francis, during which "they will once again try to convey the pain and suffering of the Ukrainian people caused by the Russian war."

The third moment will be the farewell of the Synod of Bishops of the UGCC and the faithful of the UGCC from Western and Central Europe, including Italy, to the tomb of St. Josaphat on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of his martyrdom.