MESSAGE TO THE GREEK UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC ASSEMBLY

VATICAN CITY, JUL 3, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father wrote a message to Cardinal Lubomyr Husar, major archbishop of Luiv of the Ukrainians, on the occasion of the assembly of the Greek Ukrainian Catholic Church which takes place from June 30 to July 6. The letter is dated June 30.

The Pope, referring to the theme of the gathering "Christ source of the renaissance of the Ukrainian people," urges the ecclesiastical community that the work of the assembly "help to instill in the faithful a renewed value to bear testimony to the message of salvation."

"The Christian community," writes John Paul II, "grows and renews itself, in the first place, by listening to the word of Christ." He then recalls "the long years of atheism when Christian values, which marked the history of the Ukrainian people and left a sign in their spirit and behavior, were suppressed."

The Pope recalls that "in this context the Greek Ukrainian Catholic Church wants to intensify the work of re-evangelization undertaken in these years" and, underlining "the unforgettable example of the Ukrainian martyrs and confessors of the faith," he invites them to learn from this "spiritual patrimony to accomplish the apostolic and missionary task."

"In modern society," he continues, "every ecclesiastical community is called to proclaim and bear witness to the dignity of man ... to the exercise of power, not as a dominion but as a service." The Holy Father urges them to give priority to the family, to the pastoral care of the youth, "the hope and future of the Church. Help them to discover the religious roots of their culture."

Afterward, speaking about the "misunderstanding and divisions" that have marked the history of the Church in the Ukraine, he affirms: "Now is it necessary to intensify the efforts of understanding and communion above all among Catholics of both rites. It will also be important to increase the effort of reconciliation with other Christians, in particular with our Orthodox brothers and sisters."

At the end, the Pope exclaims: "Greek Ukrainian Catholic Church, a rich future of hope is before you. ... Do not be afraid!"

Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of State, also wrote a message to Cardinal Lubomyr Husar on the occasion of the inauguration of a university of the Greek Ukrainian Church in the Ukraine. The Pope blessed its first stone on June 26, 2001 during a visit to the country. "Enriched by traditions, both Eastern and Western," writes the cardinal, "the new university will become the scene of fruitful collaboration among the two great schools that have shaped the thought and approach of Ukrainian Catholics for the benefit of the ecclesiastical community and civil society."

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