Ukrainian Greek Catholic bishops elect new head
The Electoral Synod of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) has elected a new head, an unofficial source informed RISU. The new primate, whose name has not yet been revealed, was elected on Thursday, the fourth day of the synod. The bishops wait for an official confirmation from the Vatican.
As already reported, a candidate must receive two-thirds of the votes to be elected. In accordance to the canon law of the UGCC, the voting took place over three days, four times per day, with the final election on the fourth day.
The elected bishop has two days to accept or reject the appointment. If he rejects the appointment, he loses all authority; however, he may be reelected. If he accepts, he must send a letter to the Vatican for the pope’s approval. Upon receiving the confirmation, the bishop must make a confession of faith and take an oath to zealously fulfill his responsibility before the Synod of Bishops. After the proclamation of his election, the enthronement of the new head of the UGCC will be held according to the liturgical books.
Let us recall that at a press conference on February 10 in Kyiv, Patriarch Lubomyr Husar announced that Pope Benedict XVI accepted his abdication of the post of the Supreme Archbishop of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. The head of the UGCC submitted his request to the pope when he turned 75.
