Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church Presents First Ukrainian Translation of Document on Human Fraternity in Kyiv

On January 29, the Patriarchal Center of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Kyiv hosted the presentation of the first Ukrainian translation of the joint “Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together.” The document, signed on February 4, 2019, in Abu Dhabi by Pope Francis and Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmad el-Tayeb, was made accessible to Ukrainian readers through a trilingual edition in Ukrainian, English, and Arabic. The presentation was organized by the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church Commission for Interfaith and Interreligious Relations.

His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, spoke about the document’s significance for the modern world, especially in the context of Ukraine’s ongoing war. He described the document as a demonstration of the mutual will of the Catholic Church and the Muslim world, aiming to offer an example of brotherhood. Emphasizing the fundamental idea that a person is the pinnacle of the Creator’s wisdom, he stated that respect for every individual, regardless of their religious affiliation, is a call from divine wisdom.

The Patriarch underscored the principle of brotherhood, declaring that those who are not Christians are also his brothers, and those who are not Muslims are also his brothers. He framed this as a challenge to philosophical trends that dehumanize people or categorize them based on their dignity. His Beatitude Sviatoslav linked this message to the broader call for unity and mutual respect across religious divides.

He also highlighted the importance of religious freedom, stating that respecting one’s brother’s freedom is essential to true brotherhood. Recalling Patriarch Lubomyr’s words that dictators fear free people more than hungry riots, he connected this to the dangers of totalitarian practices that restrict religious freedom.

The document’s call to stop using God’s name to justify violence resonated deeply in the current context. It urges an end to the misuse of divine authority to legitimize murder, expulsion, terrorism, and oppression. The message aligns with the broader Christian teaching that violence in the name of God is a profound blasphemy, echoing Micah 6:8, which calls for justice, mercy, and humble service.

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