Head of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church, transfer of his residence to Kiev has helped Ukrainian churches come together
Kiev, December 19, Interfax - The head of the UGCC, Cardinal Lubomir Husar, has again spoken for establishing one Local Church in Ukraine.
The Churches have not been established by officials, but by Jesus Christ. We as Christians should unite, and it is our tragedy that we are still separated�, Cardinal Husar said at a press conference in Kiev on Monday.
He noted that �the unity of Churches is possible. This is not a fantasy, not an unattainable dream. It is a condition we can achieve, but how is a big question�.
While noting that Christians in Ukraine are divided dogmatically and canonically, he emphasized the need to realize that �we all are human beings whatever confession we may belong to, whatever canonical injunctions we may confess�.
Cardinal Husar believes that the seemingly considerable differences are obliterated in close fellowship. �It is one of the reasons for which we, Greek-Catholics, are in Kiev. This transfer of the residence of the head of the Church (UGCC - IF) from Lvov to Kiev has made a considerable contribution to the question of unity�, the cardinal said.
The cardinal also believes that the transfer of his residence will contribute to the inter-confessional dialogue.
According to the cardinal, the construction of the patriarchal cathedral on the left bank of the Dnieper has entered its final stage. Since the laying of the foundation stone in October 2002, the walls have been erected, five cupolas have been installed, their crosses have been consecrated, the cross has been installed on the central cupola and the ground floor has been finished with a patriarchal residence and all the necessary communications.
Now the metal framework for the central vault of the church is being assembled. The vault will be 20 meters in diameter and four storey-high. The assembling will be completed in March 2006, and the construction itself is planned to be finished within two years.
