Head of UGCC Pays First Archpastoral Visit to Ivano-Frankivsk Theological Seminary
On Sunday, November 19, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, the Father and Head of the UGCC, arrived at the Ivano-Frankivsk Theological Seminary on an archpastoral visit and led the special services on the occasion of the 130th anniversary of the first mention of the founding of the seminary, the 380th anniversary of the beatification of the patron saint of the institution, St. Josaphat Kuntsevych, and the 400th anniversary of his martyrdom. “This is the first time I visit this seminary community as the Head of the Church.
It so hospitably hosted both the Synod of Bishops and the Patriarchal Synod, but to visit the seminary community itself, I needed to wait for the anniversary of St. Josaphat Kuntsevych,” said His Beatitude Sviatoslav during the service.
In his sermon, the Patriarch reflected on Sunday’s Gospel passage. He explained the meaning of the phrase “Do not be afraid, only believe” in the life of every Christian: ‘Do not be afraid, only believe.’ These words today resonate, in a special way, in the hearts of the Ukrainian people who are living through the war. We are all scared because every day, we have to learn to live in the danger of death. Every minute, whether in Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, or Frankivsk, we have to be prepared spiritually, in our hearts, to face God.”
The Head of the UGCC emphasized that after graduating from the seminary, the boys should be those who not only talk about Christ but bring Him to people.
At the end of the Liturgy, the Head of the Church expressed gratitude to all the bishops who came to the joint prayer. Specifically, he thanked Metropolitan Volodymyr Viytyshyn, who is the spiritual father of the seminary.
Addressing the rector, Fr. Taras Putko, the Primate said: “Each bishop holds the present of the eparchy, while the rector holds its future. Church has placed great trust in you, which you must pass on.”
The Head of the UGCC also greeted the seminarians: “The seminary always establishes a certain way of priestly life and ministry. Learn to live in a community because the Church is a community of Christ’s disciples. Grow not only in years but in wisdom and God’s grace. The Church is waiting for good, holy, and prayerful priests who know not only about Christ but live like Him.”
In conclusion, the Metropolitan of Ivano-Frankivsk addressed the Head of the Church: “Your visit and this joint prayer elevates and helps all of us in times of war. We thank you for showing us the way to salvation. May the Lord bless you, and the Holy Virgin always guide you with her omophorion.”
The UGCC Department for Informationbased on the materials of Information Department of the Ivano-Frankivsk Archeparchy
