The process of unity, according to the head of the UGCC, will be long and must be gradual. “We have to find a way to one another, being conscious of our differences; it will take some time, I would say, to get used to each other. We have to learn to respect each other, we must remember that we are divided and that through time this division created distinctions in each branch which we have to consider,” explained His Beatitude Lubomyr.
The synod’s message addresses the patriarchate of the UGCC. Therefore, His Beatitude Lubomyr was asked if the patriarchal order of the UGCC will hinder the development of the model community. “It has to help, because the UGCC has to be original. In the Orthodox tradition it is called autocephaly. In the Catholic tradition – the Church of “sui juris.” The contents of one or another are not the complete dissociation of one from another. The purpose of the patriarchate is certain internal autonomy,” the head of the UGCC said. Thus, His Beatitude Lubomyr stressed that although the Church exists in the patriarchates, in national churches, it is the same Christ’s Church.
Information Department of the UGCC