The new head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church has said that he would like to meet with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, in a bid to resolve tensions between the Moscow patriarchate and the Byzantine Catholics of Ukraine. “I am convinced that in peacefully and openly communicating with each other, we can relieve any tension,” said Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, who was enthroned last week as Major Archbishop of Kyiv. The Ukrainian prelate said “we should heal the wounds rather than irritate and deepen them.” The Ukrainian Catholic Church--which was brutally persecuted during the Stalin era and emerged vigorously after the fall of the Communist regime—has been the frequent focus of criticism from Moscow. Read more.
