His Beatitude Sviatoslav Begins His Pastoral Visit to Spain
On May 16, 2026, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, arrived in Barcelona, beginning a several-day pastoral visit to Spain. The itinerary includes Catalonia, Andorra, Aragon, and Madrid, and the visit will continue until May 25.
At Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport, His Beatitude Sviatoslav was welcomed by Fr. Taras Kohut together with representatives of the organization “Ukrainian Youth for Christ” in Spain. Fr. Oleh Oleksa is accompanying the Head of the UGCC during this pastoral visit.
25 Years of the UGCC’s Ministry in the Province of Lleida–Gozón — May 17
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the first Divine Liturgies celebrated in the Ukrainian communities of the Province of Lleida. The first service there was celebrated by Fr. Yosyp Kazanova. Since 2005, Fr. Yuriy Svystun has ministered to Ukrainians in the province, and since 2015, Fr. Taras Kohut has continued this ministry.
On Sunday, May 17, His Beatitude Sviatoslav will preside over a solemn Divine Liturgy in Gozón to mark the anniversary. The service will be livestreamed on the parish’s YouTube channel.
Meetings with Catholic Hierarchs
Over the coming week, the Head of the UGCC will hold a series of important interchurch meetings. On May 18, he will visit the Montserrat Monastery. On May 19, in Andorra, he will meet with the Bishop of Urgell, as well as with the Co-Prince of Andorra, Bishop Josep-Lluís Serrano Pentinat, to whose diocese Gozón belongs. On May 20, in Barcelona, His Beatitude Sviatoslav will meet with Cardinal Juan José Omella and visit the Basilica of the Sagrada Família. On May 21, in Zaragoza, the Head of the UGCC will meet with Archbishop Carlos Escribano.
Ukrainian Pilgrimage to Madrid — May 23
On May 23 at 12:00 noon, a solemn Hierarchical Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at the Cathedral of Saint Mary the Royal of the Almudena, presided over by His Beatitude Sviatoslav. All the faithful are cordially invited to join in communal prayer.
Permanent Synod of the UGCC — Madrid
A session of the Permanent Synod of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church will also convene in Madrid.
Book Presentation — May 25
On May 25 at 7:00 PM in Madrid, a presentation of His Beatitude Sviatoslav’s book Ukraine Stands! Ukraine Fights! Ukraine Prays! (Spanish title: Crónica de una guerra sacrílega) will take place.
The event will be held in Spanish and will provide a unique opportunity to hear the firsthand testimony of a priest who remains with his people during the war—the voice of the Church and a profound spiritual reflection on the events unfolding in Ukraine.
Venue: Universidad CEU San Pablo, Salón de Grados, C/ Julián Romea 23, Madrid. Registration is required.
