Archbishop Shevchuk: We clearly explained to the Pope that the myth of great Russian culture has degenerated into “racism”

The head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UKGK), noted that the enemy is using all available weapons against Ukraine – from submarines to sophisticated missiles and strategic aviation. — Heavy, bloody fighting is taking place on the entire front line. But our army, our girls and boys, are liberating Ukrainian cities and villages step by step. By praying for them, thanking them for the week we have survived and regained the enemy-occupied territories, we say: Ukraine endures! Ukraine is fighting! Ukraine is praying! – said Archbishop Szewczuk.

The Archbishop referred to the Synod of Bishops of the UGCC that ended last week in Rome, which was “unprecedented in the history of our synodal activities.” — 45 bishops from all over the world came to Rome to speak with one voice to the whole world, with one heart and with one mouth, on behalf of long-suffering Ukraine. The Synod of Hope, as we called it, took place. And today we can say that this hope did not disappoint us. What’s more, it exceeded our expectations, said Archbishop Szewczuk.

He noted that the attention of the world community in Rome was focused on the activities of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, that journalists, politicians and public figures wanted to hear the voice of the Ukrainian Church. — We talked with the superiors and representatives of the Catholic Church not only in the Roman Curia, but also from all over the world. Standing before His Holiness Pope Francis, each of our bishops could address him on behalf of his nation, his diocese, his people. And now we are returning home full of hope, certain that the universal Church supports the Ukrainian nation, said Archbishop Shevchuk.

He pointed out that the meeting with the Pope was special for the bishops. — It should be emphasized that when communicating with us, the Pope corrected himself, eliminating various misunderstandings related to his statements. The Bishop of Rome listened very carefully to the pain and disappointment that our bishops presented to him. We explained to him in a clear and understandable way that the myth of great Russian culture has transformed into the ideology of the “Russian world”, which scholars today call the new term “racism”, said the archbishop.

He recalled the words of Pope Francis in relation to the latest ideologies, who said: – Real pain is when the cultural heritage of a nation is “diluted” and subjected to manipulation by a certain state power, as a result of which it transforms into an ideology that destroys and kills. It is a great tragedy when such ideology invades the Church and replaces the Gospel of Christ.

The head of the UKGK concluded: – That is why today we say: our bishops have fulfilled their mission and are returning to their nation to continue to pray and work for the glory of God and the good of the Ukrainian nation.

Archbishop Shevchuk announced that last Sunday, bishops from Ukraine and European countries came to Greece, to the UKGK community in Athens, for a meeting to consider together how to speak to the hearts of European nations about the pain and suffering of Ukraine.