The Greek Catholics of Ukraine (Uniates), want to be granted the patriarchal status, according to Uniate Archbishop Svyatoslav (Shevchuk).
Archbishop Svyatoslav, speaking in the press Service of the Religious Information of Ukraine, stressed that “Our Church is already functioning as a Patriarchate”.
According to the Uniate Archbishop, the matter will be examined early in July with the Pope, who seems positive to approve this request.
“Patriarchal status is not to be created, it is to be recognized”, stated Archbishop Svyatoslav Shevchuk.
According to data from 2016, the Greek Catholic Church includes 3,405 priests, 42 bishops, and has nearly 4,000 parishes.