www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall The Ruthenian Church and Ukrainians

Dear Friends,

What is the overall situation with "anti-Ukrainianism" among Ruthenians in the U.S.?

How would you describe it in general?

Are its roots solely to be found in historical tensions or also in modern issues?

Is it limited to just a few? I'm sure the Administrator isn't . . . although after dealing with the likes of me, I wouldn't be surprised .

Just wondering . . .

Not that I'm shocked by Bishop Andrew, mind you, not at all, that's the furthest thing . . .

Alex

I hope and pray that this particular cauldron is ignored.

Eli

Nothing has changed with the UGCC there are still only Ukrainians and those who dont know they are (silly people).

I think many of us have nothing against Ukrainians, it's just that we are not necessarily Ukrainians. However, some Ukrainians seem to think:

1) We are closet Ukrainians who should "come out"
2) We secrectly wish we were Ukrainians
3) We really are Ukrainians, but are too stubborn to admit it
4) Perhaps all of the above and more

I have great respect for the country, Ukraine, and for its people. They have suffered much, and deserve a future that is measurably better than their recent past. But the fact that I am part of the Byzantine Metropolia of Pittsburg, doesn't connect me in any way to Ukraine. The BCA is a multi-ethnic American church - a big tent where all are welcome.

We will really know that of course when we see our first non Ruthenian bishop.

Have you looked at the last names of some of the priests and future priests? You will find names that are not Slavic in origin. One of these may very well be a future bishop.

So! The statement still stands. I wrote Bishop not Priest.

Why not drop "Ukrainian" and call it "The Kyivian Greek-Catholic Church"? This would take the focus away from being "Ukrainian" and places it on the primatial see of Kyiv.

Just a thought...

Gordo

It has taken ages to get them to stop monopolising the term Ukrainian and incert the word Greek before Catholic.

Be patient, o ye of little faith. Things move almost as slowly here as they do in Australia.

The statement still stands. I dont know what you are going on about priests for and time frames have nothing to do with anything.

We will know when there is a non Ruthenian bishop that the ethnic thing has come to an end. Nothing to get confused about. I am sure there is not rush. When it happens and the highest possitions are held by non ethnics or men of mixed ancestry then the transformation will be complete.

The entire particular Church will go away first

Eli

I don't think that would change anything. Rusyns were historically not a dependent of this bishopric, which is why they came in via a different union. It also also why Mukacevo/Mukachiv remains separate today, even though it is in the geographical boundaries of what is now Ukraine.

Andrew

I think the point is, that our bishops have decided that we will cease to exist if we remain an ethnic church. Hopefully, reaching out to areas that are not traditionally Byzantine will help. Byzantines in the past have been clustered in the NE part of the country, although now they are scattered. I hope for growth in new missions in the south and southwest, since these areas look the most promising.