Glory to Jesus Christ!

Most Reverend Fathers of the General Assembly,

we came to know, that a cessation of the mission we have been carrying out in the Pidhirci monastery and at other places in Ukraine is being prepared at the General Assembly; that we should be dispersed and isolated so that the mission could not continue. Actually, this mission takes place in accordance with our superiors and bishops as well as with positive response by numerous loyal people in favour of the whole Order. Therefore, there is no real substance for such liquidation. Mission is the main charisma of our Order and we can see how necessary it is for the whole Ukraine. That is why we are turning to You asking You to help us to establish our own monastery which would be subordinate to a bishop. This idea has already been presented  at the General Assembly and it became an inspiration for us. We appeal to You to provide us the Monastery in Pidhircy for ten years. At the same time, we appeal to You to enable us a transition to a new form of monastic life. This involves fathers with perpetual vows:

Fr. ThLic Roman Šelepko, OSBM

Fr. ThLic Markian Hitiuk, OSBM

Fr. Ing. ThLic Cyril Špiřík, OSBM  (for the present time in England)

Fr. ThDR Eliáš Dohnal, OSBM

At the same time the transition is appealed by:

Fr. Samuel Oberhauser, OSBM

br. Kyrylo Žuk, OSBM

br. Dmytro Karpa, OSBM

All of them, except Fr. Cyril Špiřík, OSBM, are members of the Monastery in Pidhirci.

We present this affair with faith to you, Fathers of the General Assembly. Now You have a responsibility to God as well as to the Church in Ukraine. We are willing to accept Your decision with faith as God’s will.

We are praying for the light of the Holy Spirit for You.

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Fathers from the Monastery in Pidhirci

4th July 2004

Pidhirci