Declaration by the Bishops’ Synod

                    of the Ukrainian orthodox Greek-Catholic Church

We, the bishops of the Ukrainian orthodox Greek-Catholic Church, along with its head Michael Osidach, declare:

Teaching and attitudes of the Ukrainian orthodox Greek-Catholic Church are fully Christian, biblical and Catholic. We confess what the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church has confessed from the very beginning of her existence, apart from the current heresies. We confess the Divinity of Christ and His resurrection which is real and historical. We condemn all forms of occultism (magic, divination, spiritism). We believe that hell is eternal (cf. Matt. 25.41).

The current heresies are: historical-critical theology and false respect for paganism.

- The historical-critical theology denies the Divinity of Christ and the inspiration of the Holy Scripture.

- Our attitude towards pagans is the same as it has in the Church for 2,000 years. It is necessary to carry out mission. We are obliged to proclaim the only Saviour Jesus Christ to people who live in darkness of paganism. Jesus said: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all nations.” (cf. Mk 16:15). He further said: “When the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

• Our position on homosexuality is fully biblical and Catholic. Homosexuality is a sin, an extremely serious sin. The Scripture calls it an abomination: “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.” (Lev 18:22) God warns that the penalty for this sin is death: “Sodom and Gomorrah, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.” (Jude 7)

Opening of the homosexual so-called Christian Church in Donetsk on 20th February 2011 contradicts the essence of Christianity. Who rejects the fundamental truths of Christianity and the foundations of Christian morality, cannot call himself a Christian any longer. Such man is a renegade and apostate.

• We condemn the gender theory of the so-called gender equality. The so-called gender puts perversion of the LGBT (lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transsexuals) on an equal footing with natural heterosexuality. Gender theory states that homosexuality is a part of human nature. This gender assertion contradicts the essence of Christianity and God’s order.

• Our position on towards juvenile justice is negative. We defend the right of parents to their child and the child’s right to its mother and father. In France, there are two million artificial orphans, whose mental and moral life are disturbed. They will become instruments of revenge on their nation.

• Our Church condemns adoption of children by homosexuals.

We have at heart that Ukraine may see an internal revival of true orthodox Christianity. Christianity is to be the light and the salt of the nation. Such Christianity is founded on a personal relationship with our Saviour Jesus Christ and on the true following of Him (Matt. 16:24). Only true Christianity will bring restoration of the family and of the whole Ukrainian nation.

Praying for all sincere Greek-Catholics and bestowing blessing on them

Bishops of the Synod of the UOGCC

              + Michajlo Osida?                                                                             + Markian OSBMr

            Head of the UOGCC                                                             Secretary of the Synod of the UOGCC

    Bishops

+ Elias OSBMr

+ Methodius OSBMr

+ Samuel OSBMr

+ Basil OSBMr

+ Timothy OSBMr

                                                                                                                                 Zhovkva, 22nd February 2011