Ukraine’s Ambassador to Spain meets with head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church
Yuliia Sokolovska, Ukraine’s ambassador to Spain, held a meeting with His Beatitude Sviatoslav, leader of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC), along with bishops from the Permanent Synod. Discussions centered on supporting Ukrainians living in Spain, expanding pastoral care, and the role of public diplomacy in preserving Ukrainian identity abroad. Special emphasis was placed on collaboration between the UGCC and Ukraine’s diplomatic missions overseas, as well as engagement with the Catholic Church in Spain.
Wartime support for Ukrainians
A key topic was the assistance provided by Spanish clergy to Ukrainians amid Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. These issues gained particular relevance during the All-Spain Pilgrimage and the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy held in Madrid, which drew over two thousand worshippers from across the country.
The liturgy took place at the Cathedral of Santa María la Real de la Almudena, where a prayer was recited in Ukrainian for the first time in more than eight decades. The presence of Ukrainian Greek Catholics in Spain spans over 80 years, making this event a historic milestone for the community.
This gathering and liturgy highlight the need to support the Ukrainian community in Spain, especially amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Cooperation between the Ukrainian diaspora and local religious institutions can play a key role in preserving cultural identity and providing aid to those affected by the conflict. Such events not only strengthen ties among Ukrainians abroad but also raise local awareness of the situation in Ukraine.
As the Ukrainian community in Spain continues to strengthen its cultural identity, the establishment of academic programs dedicated to Ukrainian studies highlights the growing interest in Ukrainian heritage. This initiative not only fosters understanding of Ukraine's rich history but also complements the efforts made during significant events like the recent liturgy in Madrid. To learn more about these educational advancements, visit the launch of Ukrainian studies programs at five Spanish universities.