Episode 2 – Greeks or Not? Identity of the Ukrainian Catholic Church

Описание: We were often asked: Are you Greeks?

What’s in a name?

The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church is known by several names. Some scholars write Ukrainian Greco-Catholic Church. Here in the United States, we use Ukrainian Catholic Church. Others say Ukrainian Eastern Catholic Church.

It is a Christian Church whose focus and spiritual center radiate from the city of Kyiv — the great medieval capital of the vast Rus’ Empire. This Church has carried many names throughout history.

Part of this communion is Orthodox, while another part is in full communion with Rome and recognizes the authority of the Bishop of Rome, the Pope. This is what is known as the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.

Some scholars prefer the term Ukrainian Greco-Catholic Church. In the United States and in many Western, especially English-speaking countries, it is commonly called the Ukrainian Catholic Church. Others identify it as the Ukrainian Eastern Catholic Church.

We are one of the 23 Eastern Catholic Churches — and the largest among them. Our community continues the legacy of the Kyivan Church and is now present in many countries across almost every continent.

The term Greek Catholic was introduced in the 18th century by Austrian authorities, who sought to ensure equality before the law and equal treatment in society for both Roman Catholics and Eastern Catholics.

Roman Catholics were called Roman because their Latin tradition is centered in Rome. Eastern Catholics were given the name Greek Catholic because their tradition came from the Greeks, from Constantinople. In the Austro-Hungarian Empire, both Roman and Greek Catholics received parallel names so that they would have equal status in society.

This name, Greek Catholic, was later brought to North America. Over time, however, it became clear that the word Greek did not help — it confused people.
We were often asked again: Are you Greeks?
No. Our tradition comes from the Greeks, but we are Ukrainian Catholics.
And that is the name that has taken root here in the United States.

#BorysGudziak
#history
#ugcc_history