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His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, having a meeting at the beginning of February with bishops of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church during their «Ad limina Apostolorum» visit to the Vatican, called the Ukrainian Catholic University a place for the development of ecumenical work in Ukraine.

The Pope remarked: “Ecumenical work is yet another concern that lies on your heart. It is necessary humbly to admit that concrete and objective obstacles remain in this area. However, it is not necessary to lose hope in the face of difficulties but to continue further on the path which has been started with prayer and continuing love. On the other hand, Orthodox and Catholics in Ukraine through the centuries have tried to develop daily, humble and calm dialogue, which embraces various aspects of life. The failures, which need to be taken into account, should not slow down the enthusiasm for the sought-after goal, desired by the Lord: ‘that all may be one.' (John 17:20) A few years ago, meeting with the Fathers of the Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, I turned attention to the fact that ‘what should be encouraged first of all is the ecumenism of love, which directly descends from the new commandment that Jesus left to his disciples. Love accompanied by consistent behaviour creates trust and opens hearts and eyes. The dialogue of charity nourishes and enlightens by its nature the dialogue of truth: indeed, the definitive encounter to which the Spirit of Christ leads us will take place in the full truth.' The Ukrainian Catholic University can, without a doubt, provide important support for ecumenical activities.”

«Ad limina Apostolorum» is an old practice which once concerned bishops who ministered around Rome . In the 13th century it was spread to the whole world. Every 5 years, or when the possibility arises, Catholic bishop from all over the world in their turn come to Rome for the «Ad limina Apostolorum» visit. During this visit they have a chance for a personal talk with the Universal Hierarch, conduct joint prayer services in Roman basilicas, have meetings in Vatican departments, and also as also a joint audience with the Pope. The Greek-Catholics bishops from Ukraine came to Rome on such a visit for the first time after the legalization of the UGCC.

Information Department of the UGCC

Catholic World News

Forum 18 News

04 December 2022

Joachim and Anna Rejoice

Today the bonds of childlessness are loosed, * for God has heard Joachim and Anna * and He promises manifestly that they, against all hope, would give birth to the Maiden of God * from whom the Uncircumscribed One Himself would be born, becoming man, * and he commanded the Angels to cry out to her: * “Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with you!” (Troparion - Tone 4)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Today the whole world celebrates * the conception of Anne which was brought about by God, * for she gave birth to the one who, beyond understanding, * gave birth to the Word. (Kontakion - Tone 4)

Saint Nicholas of Myra

The truth of your deeds has revealed you to your flock, * as a rule of faith, an image of meekness, and a teacher of abstinence. * Therefore, you attained the heights through humility, * and riches through poverty. * O Father and Hierarch Nicholas, * pray to Christ God that our souls may be saved. (Troparion, Tone 4)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

In Myra, You were shown to be a servant of the sacred things, O Holy Nicholas, * for, fulfilling the Gospel of Christ, you, O Venerable, laid down your life for your people, * and saved the innocent from death. * Therefore, you were sanctified as a great initiate of the grace of God. (Kontakion, Tone 3)