February 24, 2011
PRESS RELEASE
UWC STATEMENT ON THE RETIREMENT OF THE PATRIARCH OF THE UKRAINIAN GREEK CATHOLIC CHURCH HIS BEATITUDE CARDINAL LUBOMYR HUSAR
Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv on February 10, 2011, the Patriarch of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, His Beatitude Cardinal Lubomyr Husar announced that the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, had accepted his resignation from the office of the Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC). This news caught many faithful UGCC members in Ukraine and the Diaspora by surprise. In the ten years that he served as Patriarch, His Beatitude Cardinal Lubomyr Husar was the spiritual father and wise leader for more than 7 million Ukrainian Greek Catholics in Ukraine and the world.
In reaction to the Patriarch’s decision to withdraw from governing our Church, the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) expresses its sincere gratitude for his many years of dedicated service to his Church and people. Ukrainians always benefited from his spiritual presence and support. His wise pastoral teachings provided trustworthy guidance for Ukrainians throughout the world in their spiritual lives and in the rebuilding and affirmation of Ukraine’s independence.
The UWC believes that Patriarch Lubomyr Husar will, despite formally leaving office, continue serving his Church and the Ukrainian people through prayer and sharing his tremendous experience.
“The Ukrainian World Congress expresses its wholehearted gratitude to Patriarch Lubomyr Husar for his hospitality and meetings with representatives of the Ukrainian World Congress on issues of support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. May the Almighty bless him with His grace for many more years!” said UWC President Eugene Czolij.
