Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul of the UGCC Consecrated in Kazakhstan
Bishop Stepan Sus, head of the Pastoral and Migration Department of the UGCC, consecrated the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in Pavlodar, Kazakhstan.
As reported by the Pastoral and Migration Department, on the occasion of the consecration of the church, the bishop led a festive liturgy. He was concelebrated by the Apostolic Nuncio in Kazakhstan, Archbishop George Panamtundila, Metropolitan of Astana, Archbishop Tomasz Peta, Auxiliary Bishop of St. Mary’s Archdiocese in Astana, Bishop Athanasius Schneider, and Apostolic Administrator for Catholics of the Byzantine Rite in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, Father Vasyl Hovera.
Bishop Stepan Sus noted that “Ukrainian Greek Catholics, children and grandchildren of our internally displaced persons of the early twentieth century, despite everything, managed to preserve their faith in God, language and Ukrainian traditions.”
“Today we pray for peace and tranquility in Ukraine; we beg for God’s mercy, grace and courage for all of us, so that we all, being here, may be grateful to this country that has accepted us and our parents, giving us a chance and opportunities to enrich it with our presence,” the bishop emphasized.
He noted that “the vibrant Church, community, parish, which feels the presence of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit, cannot be constrained by the physical walls of the building, but wants to be open, to testify, to set a good example to other Churches, religions, nationalities, to share its faith with others.”
“May everyone here remember those who are guarding the peace today. Trying to be good witnesses of Christ, our life will be the best sermon for others,” the bishop wished.
The UGCC Department for Information
