Many Ukrainian Greek Catholic priests live below the poverty line

Many priests in Ukraine live below the poverty line

A recent survey has revealed that 38 percent of Greek Catholic priests in Ukraine live below the poverty line, according to Major Archbishop Svyatoslav Shevchuk. The study, commissioned by the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and conducted by the independent opinion research institute Fama from Lviv, found that a third of the clergy lack the financial means to purchase basic necessities such as clothes and shoes. Three percent of the priests surveyed could not even afford to feed themselves.

Shevchuk highlighted the serious social emergency faced by the clergy and their families, noting that the hardship extends beyond the priests themselves to their spouses and children. Most Greek Catholic priests in Ukraine are married, similar to their Orthodox counterparts. The archbishop expressed concern over the situation, emphasizing that it is not only a personal struggle but also a broader challenge for the community.

Despite the difficult circumstances, 92 percent of the priests surveyed reported satisfaction with their work. Shevchuk acknowledged the “extremely difficult and sometimes unbearable” conditions they face, yet he praised the clergy for their dedication and “sacrificial bestowal.” He thanked the priests and their families for sharing in the hardships of the Ukrainian people, underscoring their commitment to serving God and the nation.

In Ukraine, there is no church tax as exists in Germany. Priests rely on collections during services, voluntary donations from the faithful, and the sale of candles to support their livelihoods. The country’s predominantly Orthodox population, which accounts for about 70 percent of the 45 million Ukrainians, is divided between the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOK) of the Moscow Patriarchate and the autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OKU). The Roman Catholic minority, including the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, comprises approximately one million members.

The complex religious landscape in Ukraine reflects broader societal challenges. The war has exacerbated existing tensions, with many communities struggling to meet basic needs. The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, like other religious groups, continues to navigate these difficulties while maintaining its mission and pastoral care. The situation underscores the resilience and dedication of the clergy, who face both spiritual and material hardships in their service.

Source: Read the original report (translated from German)