Ukraine

• Population: 43 million; 74% of the population—or 31 million—are Christians, including 9 million Greek Catholics
• Form of Government: Semi-presidential Republic
• Capital: Kyiv
• Independence from the USSR: August 24, 1991

“Ukraine is experiencing upheavals that are being reported in the media. It is important to note that in Ukraine there is an Eastern Catholic Church, as well as a Latin Church, and an Orthodox Church that is quite divided and torn by differing interpretations of its relationship with the Moscow Patriarchate. Kyiv was the first archdiocese for the Church of the Slavs.

This Eastern Catholic Church is vibrant. It suffered greatly during the Soviet era under Moscow’s rule. It was nearly wiped out, and since then it has been experiencing a true revival and a real sense of vitality.

It is very advanced in its efforts in reflection, doctrine, thought, culture, and social action. It trains many seminarians and is building new churches with the help of the Œuvre d’Orient. I believe we are justified in offering our heartfelt prayers for the Ukrainian people, who are suffering and once again fighting for freedom.” Bishop Pascal Gollnisch