All 15 UGCC Archdioceses, Eparchies, and Exarchates Complete Training on Preventing Violence Against Children

The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) has completed training on the prevention of violence against children and vulnerable persons across all 15 of its archdioceses, eparchies, and exarchates in Ukraine. This initiative, led by the UCU Center for Child Dignity, has reached 70% of UGCC priests, as mandated by the Synod of Bishops’ 2022 security policy titled “Norms and Principles for the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Persons in the Pastoral Activities of the UGCC in Ukraine.”

The training, which began in October 2022, was conducted with the assistance of local bishops, both in-person and online, ensuring clergy in even the most remote or frontline areas could participate. The sessions were led by Ivanka Rudakevych, Head of Projects and Programs, and Hieromonk Sava Masnyk, a Studite hieromonk and psychologist. Rudakevych emphasized the importance of open dialogue, noting that discussions around child abuse are often avoided, as if the issue does not exist.

Masnyk described the training as a pivotal step in creating a safe environment for minors within the Church. He stated that caring for children is an imitation of Christ, and that the service of the Truth, though sometimes troubling, is an expression of sacrifice. The training aimed to equip priests with the tools to address abuse in spiritual, psychological, legal, canonical, or medical aspects.

According to the UGCC’s security policy, every priest must undergo such training every two years. The information gained should be shared with all members of the church community, including employees, volunteers, parents, and children, through parish priests or designated parish representatives. This ensures a comprehensive approach to protecting minors and vulnerable persons within the Church’s pastoral activities.

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