Patriarchal Greek Catholic Cathedral Founded in Kyiv

October 18 marked a major event in Kyiv as the cornerstone was laid of what is to become the Patriarchal Cathedral of Christ’s Resurrection of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC). Celebrations to mark the occasion were attended by numerous bishops, clergymen, monks, and the faithful. The ceremony was presided over by the UGCC Head, Cardinal Liubomyr Huzar, and Exarch of the Kyiv-Vyshhorod Exarchate Vasyl (Medvit). The patriarchal cathedral will be built on Kyiv’s left bank, in Mykytsko-Slobidska street, based on a design by Prof. Mykola Levchuk.

Early that day a holy mass was celebrated in the Church of St. Vasyl the Great in Lvivska Ploshcha [Lviv Square] with the participation of high clergymen presided over by Cardinal Huzar assisted by UGCC priests from across Ukraine and abroad. The papal nuncio to Ukraine, Archbishop Nicola Eterovic, also took part in the mass.

Following the divine service, worshipers and their pastors headed for Kyiv’s left bank to attend the ceremony of laying the cornerstone to form one of the columns of the cathedral. The granite cornerstone bears an inscription beginning with the words: “For the glory of the Holy Trinity, in glorification of Apostles Peter and Paul, and Kyiv’s patrons Archangel Michael and Pope Clement I ... in the capital city of Kyiv the cornerstone of the Patriarchal Cathedral has been laid...”

On the occasion of the laying of the cornerstone the Kyiv-Vyshhorod Exarch and Bishop Vasyl, who is in charge of the construction of the cathedral, told The Day:

“I believe this is a historic event for both our church and Kyiv. The cathedral is a building to last for centuries. I cannot help but rejoice in my heart at the fact that we are continuing the tradition of our forebears who have built so many wonderful churches and cathedrals in our city. Thus the history of our people is not standing still, but moves ahead. I have said it on many occasions and I will repeat it once again — the cathedral is not intended for a specific group of people; we are building this cathedral both for the faithful of our church and for all Kyivans. Finally, when it comes to the unification of our churches in one universal church this cathedral will become part of its property. We trust that before long, with God’s help, we will finish it as we have planned.”