Frequently asked questions.

What is the Ukrainian Catholic Church?

The Ukrainian Catholic Church, officially the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC), is an Eastern Catholic Church in full communion with the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church. It follows the Byzantine Rite and has its origins in the Christianization of Kyivan Rus in 988.

How is the Ukrainian Catholic Church different from the Roman Catholic Church?

The UGCC shares the same core beliefs as the Roman Catholic Church but differs in liturgical practices, spirituality, and traditions. It celebrates the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, incorporates a married priesthood (except for bishops), and uses Old Church Slavonic or Ukrainian in its services.

How is the Ukrainian Catholic Church different from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church?

The UGCC is in full communion with the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church, while the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) is part of Eastern Orthodoxy and does not recognize papal authority. The UGCC formed in 1596 through the Union of Brest, uniting some Orthodox Christians with Catholicism, while the UOC descends from the Kyivan Church established in 988. Both follow the Byzantine Rite, but the UGCC incorporates some Catholic theology, like the filioque, and has Latin influences. The Orthodox Church emphasizes traditional Byzantine practices. Both allow married priests but differ in governance and ties to Ukrainian identity.

What are the key beliefs of the Ukrainian Catholic Church?

The UGCC upholds Catholic teachings, including belief in the Trinity, the sacraments, and the authority of the Pope. It emphasizes the traditions of Eastern Christianity, including icons, communal prayer, and the celebration of major feasts according to the Byzantine calendar.

Do women need head covering in the Ukrainian Catholic Church?

In the UGCC, women are not required to wear head coverings, but it is a respected tradition rooted in the customs of the Byzantine Rite. Head coverings, such as scarves or veils, are seen as a sign of reverence and modesty, especially during the Divine Liturgy or when entering a sacred space like a church.

What calendar is followed at St. Andrew’s?

At St. Andrew’s the First-Called, we follow the Gregorian calendar (new calendar) as prescribed by The Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of St. Nicholas in Chicago. This aligns the liturgical celebrations, such as Christmas and Easter, with the dates observed by the Roman Catholic Church in the United States (e.g., Christmas on December 25).

How can I convert to be part of the Ukrainian Catholic Church?

If you are Roman Catholic, you do not need to formally convert to become part of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church because both Churches are in full communion with each other as part of the Catholic Church. If you are Orthodox or were baptized into another denomination, please speak with the priest after the liturgy to discuss this process further.