02.11.2007, [13:33] // UGCC // RISU.ORG.UA

Rome, Italy – On 28 October 2007, Bishop Hlib Lonchyna, apostolic visitator for Ukrainian Greek Catholics in Italy, Spain and Ireland, paid a visit to the communities of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) in Italy and Spain. The recent Holy Synod of Bishops of the UGCC put special emphasis on the spirituality of Ukrainians working abroad and tried to identify possible ways to help and support them.

According to ugcc.org.ua, the visit began with a liturgy at the Church of St. Sergius and Vakh in front of the Zhyrovytska icon of the Holy Mary in Rome. In his speech the hierarch mentioned the key topic of this year’s Synod of Bishops of the UGCC – evangelization aimed to reveal faith to others. Bishop Lonchyna stressed the need for spirituality through prayer and bearing witness to the suffering and cares of one’s neighbor. He added: “Today Ukraine and Ukrainians need deep spiritual revival through faithful people who hope in God and dedicate themselves to the preaching of the gospel.”

The bishop called upon everyone to pray for the future of Ukraine and its families.