The first defense of the master's work on the Ukrainian Distance Learning

Master's Program in Ecumenical Studies

On January 17 at the Ukrainian Catholic University there was held a defense of the master`s work of Iryna Khomyn.

The subject of the work: "Uniate ideas of Metropolitans Joseph Veniamin (Ruts'kyy) and Peter (Mohyla) and their development today in the sense of Patriarch Lubomyr Husar". Doctor of Canon Law Mitred Archpriest Mykhailo Dymyd was a scientific advisor of the thesis. And Doctor of Theology Fr. Ihor Petsiukh reviewed this Master`s work. This is the first defense of the master's work on the Ukrainian Distance Learning Master's Program in Ecumenical Studies. Therefore, as a head of the commission Dr Oleh Tury , Vice Rector for Research of UCU said: "The defense of this work is a victory not only for the IES` program, but for the whole institute". Iryna Khomyn, engineer by education graduated from the Popov

Odessa National Academy of Telecommunication. And she entered the Distance Learning Master's Program in Ecumenical Studies in 2009. In her thesis the student raised the question of unity of Churches, over which Metropolitans Joseph Veniamin Ruts'kyy and Peter Mohyla have meditated in the seventeenth century. Iryna analyzed their main unifying idea, which later patriarch Lubomyr Husar developed during his pastoral activity. The first defense of the master's thesis of the Distance Learning Master`s Degree Program in Ecumenical Studies was successful. Oleh Tury also expressed his wish that students of the program direct more their work on assessment of historiography, taking into consideration various inconsistencies that can occur while thesis` writing. http://www.ecumenicalstudies.org.ua/novini-institutu/2012/01/21/2361

Gathering of projects for the 2nd edition of "Observatory of successful initiatives" started

NEWSLETTER

of the Institute of Ecumenical Studies of the Ukrainian Catholic University № 7 - June 2012

In late January organizers of the Ecumenical Social Week have announced the beginning of gathering of projects for the 2nd edition of the "Observatory of successful initiatives".

"Observatory of successful initiatives" is an electronic database of the best initiatives from all over Ukraine. 100 найкращих – увійдуть у 2-ге видання Обсерваторії. Acceptance of registration cards with descriptions of initiatives will continue throughout the year. After gathering stage, the stage of selection of the best projects will begin. The best 100 will be included in the 2nd edition of the Observatory. You can download a registration card on the website http://www.initiatives.org.ua/index.php?lang=uk Initiatives will be selected by the Honorary Jury, which will include representatives of international and Ukrainian charitable funds. At the

end of the year there will be held a round table devoted to the project, where members of the Observatory will present their initiatives. The peculiarity of the 2nd edition of the Observatory will be that the three best projects will be awarded and receive a reward (small grants, vouchers or free trainings and workshops) from the Honorary Jury members. Selection of initiatives will be carried out according to the following criteria: 1) solution of the most pressing social problems; 2) work with the most vulnerable segments of the population; 3) need for minimal investment; 4) self-sufficiency of the initiative. The following categories can participate in the selection of projects: Educational initiatives, Social initiatives, Health Care initiatives, Community Development initiatives, Cultural initiatives, Environmental initiatives, Youth politics, Human rights initiatives, Legislative initiatives, Philanthropic initiatives, Church initiatives. Such projects help to partially reflect the state of philanthropy in Ukraine, to promote the activity of NGOs and charitable centers, help benefactors in sharing experiences, help to show the target audience (beneficiaries of social services) possible help centers to which they can apply, and also to attract philanthropists to help social directed organizations (financial, material, consulting, etc..). Notice: In 2010 during the 3rd Ecumenical Social Week: "Trust. Responsibility. Philanthropy" in Lviv there was held a roundtable "Observatory of successful initiatives", where the best initiatives from all over Ukraine were presented. Participants of the Forum (over 3,000 people) had opportunity to get to know a database of successful projects of social direction and get the DVD – a disk with initiatives included to the 1st edition of the Observatory. http://www.ecumenicalstudies.org.ua/novini-institutu/2012/01/16/2357

Inter-confessional prayer for Christian Unity was held Lviv On January 24 inter-confessional prayer for Christian unity was held in the chapel of the Ukrainian Catholic University. The Institute of Ecumenical Studies of UCU together with the Church Commission for Promoting Christian Unity organized the event.

The event started with prayer attended by representatives of the Roman Catholic, Armenian Apostolic, Orthodox, Greek Catholic Churches and the Christian Evangelical Church. As the UCU`s spiritual father Ihor Petsiukh noticed: "Only through repentance we can actually break the wall that divides us. No matter how pessimistic from human point of view looks the prospect of unity of Churches, Lord, do not let our hope cool down, do not let us get disappointed in subsequent efforts, and give us strength to do at least small steps towards each other, and our prayer that we are going to say right now will be this small step". It was the Our Father prayer, which participants said, holding hands and this symbolized the unity of Christians. After the prayer students of the Institute of Ecumenical Studies welcomed guests, they also performed the pantomime "Fire" (story by Italian author Bruno Ferrero). It is interesting that the walls of the chapel where the moleben prayer was pronounced, represent not only Greek Catholic saints but Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Armenian Apostolic Churches`s saints as well. Representatives of several denominations shared their views on the matter of unity and the need for common prayer. "Long time back no one could dream that different denominations can stand together and pray. It will take time and unity will come and the Eucharist will be shared. We ourselves have to understand that the Church is really one, all the faithful are one, all Christians are one because we all believe in Jesus Christ and the Bible is our holy book". – Senior priest of the Lviv Cathedral Fr. Tadeos Gevorgian "Unity is a Christian ideal, it is not something super special, it is a norm, because Christ is one, God is one. We, Christians look differently at the same Christ because of our traditions… Many churches are local; nevertheless we still have to feel that we are Christians of one Church. And prayer for Christian unity helps to overcome divisions". – Zolochiv dean of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church Fr. Vasyl Sahan "The Second Vatican Council talks about unity in diversity, the same way as all people are different, in ecumenism we should be in unity without losing our diversity. – Prefect of the Roman Catholic seminary Krzysztof Sheblya. Photo gallery Video of the event http://www.ecumenicalstudies.org.ua/novini-institutu/2012/01/25/2376 Pupils of Lviv region have got a new textbook in Essentials of Christian Ethics A textbook in "Essentials of Christian Ethics" entitled "I want to do good things", for the third grade pupils of secondary schools, was published on the initiative of the Institute of Ecumenical Studies of UCU, supported by the Missionary Relief Organization "Kerk in Actie" (the Netherlands). Halyna Dobosh, teacher of the Ukrainian Catholic University, is the author of the textbook. This publication was made by the State enterprise "Svit Ukrainian specialized printing house".

It is the third tutorial in Essentials of Christian Ethics; the work was coordinated bye the Institute of Ecumenical Studies. The textbook was approved by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of Ukraine. Topics of the edition are devoted to the question of vocation of the person. The author examines the nature of human being, its free will, its purpose in this world and guidance to help realize itself, which are the commandments of God, and she also explains the role of mentors and parents for each of us. We remind you that in 2010 the Institute of Ecumenical Studies has initiated work on writing and printing books in Essentials of Christian Ethics. Implementation of the idea is realizing in cooperation with the Commission on teaching Christian ethics and education, which for many years was working at the Department of

Education and Science of the Lviv regional state administration. The Institute involves into textbooks writing authors, consultants, educators, scholars and priests of different denominations. Notice: The first textbook from the series of educational methodical literature on Christian Ethics started by the IES was published in November 2010. This was the book of Halyna Dobosh "I live and learn in the family," a textbook for the 2nd grade of secondary schools, published by the "Svit". At the end of the last year the second textbook "Essentials of Christian Ethics" for 8th grade pupils was published by the Svit Publishing. The book was prepared by H. Sokhan in co-authorship with Ihor Husakov. http://www.ecumenicalstudies.org.ua/novini-institutu/2012/02/02/2427

The Second graduation of students of the Certificate Program "Medical psychological and social support for persons with special needs"

On February 8 it was the final celebration of the graduating of students at the certificate program of the Institute of Ecumenical Studies. The program "Medical psychological and social support for persons with special needs" is very unique. Similar program exists only in France. In other countries there is formation for the

L'Arche assistants, but the uniqueness of this program is that it is open to all comers. Michelle Dormal, director of the curriculum for the assistants of the French department of the L'Arche International Federation, coordinator and supervisor of the certificate program "Medical psychological and social support for persons with special needs" in Ukraine from the L'Arche International Fund was the guest of honor of the event. "I believe that together we will build a new world where all will be similar to each other and break the wall of misunderstanding between those who are

disabled and who are not disabled" – expressed hope Michelle Dormal.

Word of the graduates received Yuliya Boiko. She stressed that each of the students got much more than expected. Also graduates passed to their successors red glasses as "a symbol of benevolence and wisdom in dealing with people". A film about education and students life on the certificate program of the Institute of Ecumenical Studies was shown during this event. The celebrations concluded graduates who provided pantomime devoted to openness and change. Photo gallery Film http://www.ecumenicalstudies.org.ua/novini-institutu/2012/02/09/2442

On the master's program in Ecumenical Studies a new school year have

started On February 13 there was held the opening ceremony of a new school year on the master's program in Ecumenical Studies (MPES) Institute of Ecumenical Studies of UCU. The event started with a common prayer. Executive Director of the Institute of Ecumenical Studies, Halyna Bokhonko; coordinator of specialization in journalism, Taras Lylo; and coordinator of specialization in Christian ethics, Halyna Sokhan and also senior welcomed students.

New Master`s program students received student cards. "Two directions of journalism and Christian ethics is a very good combination, which reveals an additional chance to us and to those who chose the direction of journalism" – said Taras Lylo and he wished the students that the horizons of their knowledge, hopes, dreams of their worldview never betray them. Graduate Iryna Husir compared Institute of Ecumenical Studies to the store from the parable of Bruno Ferrero: "Our institute is a store where nobody sells or gives fruits, but they give seeds and and everybody who will be able to grow the seeds in his heart and in his work, will

see how it will bring forth a hundredfold". Fr. Michael Nummela, a Finnish monk of the Finnish Orthodox Church of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, Director of the Sofia Communications Cultural Center in the city of Helsinki in Finland was a guest at the celebrations. http://www.ecumenicalstudies.org.ua/novini-institutu/2012/02/13/2488

The 2nd session of the ESW National Network took place at the Ukrainian Catholic University

On February 17 there was held the 2nd session of the Ecumenical Social Week (ESW) National Network which aimed to unite social and charitable organizations, Churches, universities, youth associations, philanthropic foundations, business sector and public institutions (the city council, the regional administration and others) around proposals that could get wide acceptance and promote the development of civil society in Ukraine.

Participants of the session were: Halyna Bokhonko, executive director of the Institute of Ecumenical Studies of the Ukrainian Catholic University; Iryna Kitura , the ESW coordinator; Oleksandr Maksymchuk, president of the Philantropists of Ukraine Association (Kyiv); Orest Mykyta, an expert of the Department of scientific and educational programs, Charitable Foundation "Ukraine 3000" (Kyiv); Kateryna Kliuzko , head of the youth initiative project "The Heart in palms" (Kyiv); Fr. Vasyl Kolodchyn, director of the charitable fund "Caritas Odessa Church UGCC" (Odessa); Alla Soroka, a teacher of

Christian humanitarian and economic public university, a trainer of the project "Alternative to violence" (Odessa); Olena Danchuk, head of the Dnipropetrovsk City NGO of assistance in medical and social rehabilitation of disabled children "Volia" (Dnipropetrovsk); Serhy Ladonkin , Head of the laboratory at the Honchar National University, Institute of Economics, Department of Information Technology (Dnipropetrovsk). During the session there was a presentation of the concept of the National Network development, the participants discussed cooperation in the future and determined the timing of the information days in Kyiv, Odessa and Dnipropetrovsk. http://www.ecumenicalstudies.org.ua/novini-institutu/2012/02/21/2528

Presentation of the Ecumenical Social Week in Odessa On March 17 a presentation of the Ecumenical Social Week, a project of the Institute of Ecumenical Studies of the Ukrainian Catholic University took place in Odessa. The event was part of the Co-Actions Social bar-camp at the Christian humanitarian and economic

public university. Coordinator of the Ecumenical Social Week (ESW) Iryna Kitura presented the work of the Forum, described the ESW`s five-year development, achievements and results of the Weeks, such as the Bill "Percentage philanthropy" and resolution proposals to the government and NGOs. There were considered actual issues of inclusive education, social entrepreneurship (entrepreneurial activities focused on innovative, significant and positive change in society), socially responsible business etc. Over 60 representatives of the Odessa public organizations

participated in the event. http://www.ecumenicalstudies.org.ua/novini-institutu/2012/03/20/2573 The Institute of Ecumenical Studies co-organized the project "Philanthropist

of the Year" On March 21 an awards ceremony was held for the winners of the Lviv regional contest "Philanthropist of the Year – Lviv Region 2011", was held within the fifth National contest "Philanthropist of the Year". The Oselia public organization received a victory in the category "Charitable non profit organization". Peter Pysarchuk became a Philanthropist of the Year. And the SoftServe Company won the championship among charitable enterprises.

The special social Lviv prizes were offered to: the Pliazh water park as a socially oriented company and the Auction of Nadyy which is a project aimed at creating a socio-rehabilitation center for blind. Proposed participants` initiatives were assessed by 15-member jury, including: the media, government and civic organizations. Executive director of the IES Halyna Bokhonko noticed: "Ukraine is the 105th in the ranking of charity, but thanks to these people who are here, we will fall into the top twenty". The Institute of Ecumenical Studies of the Ukrainian

Catholic University co-organized this contest. http://www.ecumenicalstudies.org.ua/novini-institutu/2012/03/22/2576

On March 29, 2012 within the Days of Lviv in the city of Zaporizha, there was held a round table "Inter-sectoral partnerships to resolve local communities` needs". The purpose of the event was to exchange experiences on the development of inter-sectoral partnerships. The event was attended by civic organizations, businesses, local and regional authorities and the media. Moderated roundtable: Natalia Selyukova, director of NGO «UkrProstir", Zaporozhye and Galina Bokhonko, executive director of the Institute of Ecumenical Studies, Catholic University, Lviv. Natalia Seliukova, director of the NGO «UkrProstir" from Zaporizha and Halyna Bokhonko, executive director of the Institute of Ecumenical Studies of the Ukrainian Catholic University from Lviv moderated the roundtable. The local experience of cooperation between government, civic organizations, Church, schools and business was presented within the event. Vasyl Kosiv, Deputy Mayor of the city of Lviv in Humanitarian Affairs said: "only through the platform – the Social Investment Forum, held within the Ecumenical Social Week, we were able to establish cooperation between NGOs and business. We have a good example of the ESW, which calls for a discussion. It is important that the organizers have attracted Churches and began to raise the deeper issues, such as changes in

legislation". During a round table the theme of the 5th ESW "The future of democracy in Ukraine", which will be held in autumn 2012 was presented. "We want to extend our expertise to implement in the future ecumenical social days in other cities of Ukraine to work together for better results. The Ecumenical Social Week is a sort of playground which we do together with NGOs and for them" – said project coordinator Iryna Kitura . A representative of the NGO "National defense" Natalia Zabolotna talked on the implementation of social order in

The Institute of Ecumenical Studies urged to establish ecumenical social days in Zaporizha

the city of Zaporizha; and Inna Beliaeva, deputy director of the Zaporizha regional civic organization "Florence" presented inter-sectoral partnerships with government and educational institutions and raised the issue of inclusive education in Zaporozha. The author Natalia Aliekseyeva described her bill "Percentage philanthropy", which was elaborated during the 2nd Ecumenical Social Week. A roundtable was held at the initiative of the Institute of Ecumenical Studies of the Ukrainian Catholic University within the the Ecumenical Social Week project with the support of the Lviv City Council and the NGO "UkrProstir" from Zaporizha. http://www.ecumenicalstudies.org.ua/novini-institutu/2012/04/04/2578

The IES organized a round table in Dnipropetrovsk On March 30, 2012 within the Days of Lviv in Dnipropetrovsk, a round table "Inter-sectoral partnerships to resolve local communities` needs". The purpose of the event was the establishment of cooperation with Dnipropetrovsk civic organizations to organize ecumenical social days. A roundtable was moderated by Olena Danchuk, head of the Dnipropetrovsk City NGO of assistance in medical and social rehabilitation of disabled children "Volia" (Dnipropetrovsk) and Halyna Bokhonko, executive director of the Institute of Ecumenical Studies of the Ukrainian Catholic University (Lviv). The roundtable was attended by representatives from civic organizations, businesses, local and regional authorities, clergy, educators and the media. And in particular: Vasyl Kosiv, Deputy Mayor of the city of Lviv in Humanitarian Affairs presented the work of the social sector; Vladyslav Romanov, Dnipropetrovsk regional council deputy called organizations to unite their efforts in one civil front in inter-sectoral partnership. Volodymyr Mykhailyshyn , Head of Internal Policy of the City of Dnipropetrovsk Council talked on the inter-sectoral cooperation in Dnipropetrovsk. During the event there was held a presentation of the theme of the 5th ESW "The future of democracy in Ukraine". "We want to extend our experience in other cities of Ukraine and are

looking for partners to work together to improve and develop social area" – said the ESW project coordinator Iryna Kitura . There also was presented the bill "Percentage philanthropy", elaborated after the 2nd Ecumenical Social Week. "We decided to base on the experience of Eastern Europe to establish a mechanism of philanthropy in Ukraine. It will help civic organizations get funds directly from individuals" – noted the author of the Bill Natalia Aliekseyeva, – "because they all have different goals and each sector has its own means to achieve them".

Fr. Basyl, a representative of the UOC (MP) of the Dnipropetrovsk diocese blessed the ESW project in Lviv: "It is very important that you have completed the project of social service based on the Church principals. When society is in unity, then we want to do good things, for it is God's business".

A roundtable was held at the initiative of the Institute of Ecumenical Studies of the Ukrainian Catholic University within the Ecumenical Social Week project, with the support of the Lviv City Council and the civic organization "Volia" (Dnipropetrovsk). http://www.ecumenicalstudies.org.ua/novini-institutu/2012/04/04/2579

The Lenten retreat for students of the Master's Degree Program in Ecumenical Studies

Before Easter students of the Master's Degree Program of the Institute of Ecumenical Studies visited the Lenten retreat already traditional for this time, and for the whole UCU community. However, the tradidional place of the retreat was changed. This spring students-ecumenists, the staff and graduates experienced a spiritual renewal in one of the Lviv Holy Spirit Seminary buildings located in the village of Rudno near Lviv.

From March 30 till April 1, young people stayed in prayer and peace, and in such a way prepared themselves to light the Resurrection of the Christ. Before Easter retreat was held by the UCU spiritual father Ihor Petsiukh, and, at the invitation of the IES, Fr. Vasyl Lutsyshyn (UAOC), head of the Ukrainian Bible Society, delievered his teaching. Fr. Vasyl spoke about the history and current state of Bible translation into Ukrainian. In general, during this time youth had a good opportunity to get acquainted with the history of Easter, to understand its Jewish roots and the presence of primary traditions in

the modern celebration of Easter. This year before Easter retreat held in the village of Rudno showed that people, particularly young people, need from time to time to pause and plunge into the theological reflection in order to better understand the essence of Christianity and their own vocation. http://www.ecumenicalstudies.org.ua/novini-institutu/2012/04/19/2642

The IES` project and programs manager Pavlo Smytsniuk held seminar in Bratislava

From March 27 till April 22012 an international conference "Guilty or not guilty?"

organized by the World Student Christian Federation was held in Bratislava. Teachers and students from the Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican and Protestant Churches of Europe gathered in the capital of Slovakia in order to explore the question of guilt, personal and social sin, legality and Christian ethics in the context of the current financial crisis, environmental problems and new moral dilemmas of our time. Lectures, seminars and thematic laboratories were offered to the conference participants. They also had an opportunity to visit the Archives of the Museum of

National Remembrance of the Slovak Republic and the Jewish cemetery in Bratislava and others. Pavlo Smytsnyuk, projects and programs manager of the Institute of Ecumenical Studies and lecturer of theology represented UCU at the conference. He held a seminar devoted to the

relationship between guilt and shame. After examining the issue from different perspectives – biblical, theological, philosophical, psychological – participants discussed positive and negative functions of shame for people and societies they tried to assess this sense, based on the principles of Christian morality. http://www.ecumenicalstudies.org.ua/novini-institutu/2012/04/26/2680

On May 16-17 the group of French pilgrims from Marseille visited Lviv. Having arrived to Kyiv, they began visiting holy places of the Ukrainian Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, and then they visited the cities of Zhytomyr, Uman, Kamyanets-Podilsky, Khotyn, Pochayiv and Lviv. In Lviv pilgrims from France met the staff of the Institute of Ecumenical Studies: Taras Dmytryk and Pavlo Smytsniuk. Taras Dmytryk started "ecumenical tour" French guests near the Danylo Halytsky monument: through the Halytska Street they went to the Roman

Catholic Cathedral of the Dormition of Most Holy Virgin Mary, then throught the Market Square and Ruska Street they went to the Orthodox Stauropegian Assumption Church, and at the end through the Stauropegian Square and Virmenska Street they went to the Armenian Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Mother of God. After visiting the three main temples of the old city French pilgrims climbed the High Castle, from where they saw a panorama of the city. On the way to the Holy Protection monastery of Sisters Studites where in

the afternoon a conference was held pilgrims visited the Church of John the Baptist, built for the Queen Bona, wife of Lev Danylovych and the Kniaz Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas. In the Sisters Studites` convent Pavlo Smytsnyuk and Taras Dmytryk held a conference where they described the religious situation and ecumenical perspectives in Ukraine.

A roundtable "Partnership between authorities and civic organizations for the benefit of the cities` community"

On May 22 as part of the "American experience of local management and local sustainable development of Ukraine" project, there was held a roundtable "Partnership between

authorities and civic organizations for the benefit of the cities` community". The purpose of the session was to exchange experience and technologies of partnerships effectively realized in the U.S.A. and Ukraine. During the roundtable there was presented the experience of cooperation between the U.S.A cities and civic organizations and also the cooperation between local authorities of the city of Lviv and non-profit organizations. Ihor Lukashevsky, head of public partnership of the Lviv City Council shared experience of the competition for social and cultural projects and, for

example, told about the Dzvin organization which proposed a project to help children with hearing impairments.

The IES staff organized "ecumenical tour" for visitors from Marseille

The honored guests of the event were: Dave Williams, State and Federal Relations of the Association of Washington Cities (Seattle, Washington), Paul Stewart, Deputy Director (Mayor) on urban planning (in Kirkland, Washington), Mark Byerneki , Head of the city administration (Dekalb, Illinois), Marcia Johnson Blanco, co-director of the Voting Rights Project in the lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under law (Washington). Dave Williams presented the Association of Washington Cities, cooperation with universities, civic organizations and educators. And Mark Byerneki spoke abot public transportation for the elderly, shelters for homeless people created in his city of Dekalb. And all this happened thanks to the cooperation of local authorities with civic organizations. Each speaker's speech was accompanied by a lively discussion. This exchange of experience was informative and useful for the event participants. The organizers of the roundtable were: the Lviv City Council Administration "Secretariat of the Council", the Institute of Ecumenical Studies of the Ukrainian Catholic University and the Democracy and Law Fund. http://www.ecumenicalstudies.org.ua/novini-institutu/2012/05/23/2731

Guest lectures of Andry Danilov Vladlenovych On May 21-25 Danilov Andry Vladlenovych, Head of the Religious Studies' Department of the Institute of Theology of Saints Cyril and Methodius of the Belarusian State University, Candidate in Theology, Ph.D. of Philosophy of the University of Regensburg, visited the the Institute of Ecumenical Studies. He gave the guest lectures course for the Master's program in Ecumenical Studies students. Name of the course was "Contemporary problems of inter-religious dialogue." The main topics raised by the lecturer were: inter-religious dialogue in post-communist region, dialogue with Jews and Muslims, as well as religion and culture.

A roundtable "Inter-sectoral partnership as a factor of communities` development: the European experience"

On May 25, 2012 the Kyiv City Teacher's House hosted a roundtable "Inter-sectoral partnership as a factor of communities’ development: the European experience". The event organized by the Institute of Ecumenical Studies of the Ukrainian Catholic University within the Ecumenical Social Week project with the support of the Association of Philanthropists of Ukraine and the youth initiative project "The Heart in palms" (Kyiv). The roundtable was attended by representatives of civic and charitable organizations from Kyiv and Lviv, in particular funds "Planet of mutual help", Protection of the Most Blessed mother of God, "Caritas of Ukraine"; organizations "Child with the future", "Wikimedia Ukraine". Executive director of the Institute of Ecumenical Studies of the Ukrainian Catholic University Halyna Bokhonko and president of the Philantropists of Ukraine Association Oleksandr Maksymchuk moderated the event.

Speakers presented the local experience of cooperation between government, civic organizations, Churches, schools, business; considered philanthropy and volunteerism as a way to becoming a new civil society. Roundtable participants agreed that we need to create an environment for constructive cooperation and experience exchange between government and civil sector, business, Church communities, etc. There has been a suggestion to develop a network of ecumenical social weeks in Ukraine in order to exchange experiences, combine efforts of different sectors to resolve common social needs, strengthening inter-sectoral partnership. Roundtable participants agreed, inter alia, to join efforts in spreading experience of inter-sectoral partnership within the Ecumenical Social Week project; to support the Percentage philanthropy project; to hold such roundtables throughout the year involving international and Ukrainian experts who were involved in areas of the development of civil society, philanthropy etc.

A group was established to support and advance the bill "Percentage philanthropy"

As part of the National Ecumenical Social Week Network Info-days were held in Odessa, Zaporizha, Kyiv and Dnipropetrovsk where during roundtables on inter-sectoral partnership there were presented the Ecumenical Social Week project and the local experience of cooperation between government, civic organizations, Churches, schools and businesses. Participants had an opportunity to be acquainted the bill "Percentage philanthropy" elaborated during the 2nd Ecumenical Social Week. As well

as the theme of the 5th ESW "The future of democracy in Ukraine" was presented. As a result of these events the roundtable participants initiated a project of creating group to advance the project of Percentage philanthropy.

Lviv: International scientific conference devoted to the Second Vatican Council

On the occasion of 50th anniversary of the beginning of the Second Vatican Council on May 31 at the Ukrainian Catholic University there was started an international scientific conference "The Second Vatican Council: the gifts of the Spirit - Mystery of the Church - the testimony of man" organized by the Institute of Ecumenical Studies of UCU, the Institute of

Religion and Society of UCU and the Saint Clement Pope Institute of UCU (Rome). The main purpose of the conference was to help Christians in Ukraine understand and appreciate the importance of the decrees of the Second Vatican Council for the development of the Christ's Church and Eastern Catholic Churches in particular. The decrees of the Council stay particularly relevant to us because for a long time the documents, paragraphes and spirit of the Council were unavailable for Ukrainians who were in the underground on the time of its holding. The conference began with a foreword by the rector of the Ukrainian Catholic University Fr. Borys Gudziak who recalled the historical and social circumstances of the time in which the Second Vatican Council acted. According to his words it was "a time of powerful, deep, exciting changes in world culture. When television appeared, when already airplanes became available to ordinary people, when popular culture has been subjected to the rock music shocks, then the Catholic Church under the leadership of the blessed Pope John XXIII in these months was preparing the first session of the Second Vatican Council". Major Archbishop Emeritus of Kyiv-Halych of the UGCC, Lubomyr (Husar) spoke on the great, significant event that took place in the history of the Catholic Church and its echo in Ukraine. He called participants to take a spiritual advantage of the teaching which the Lord has given through the Council. At the same time he expressed his own request: "Council should be accepted. I think we have not yet done it". The honored guests of the conference were: Mons. Thomas Edward Hallikson, Apostolic Nuncio in Ukraine; Mons. Mieczyslaw Mokshytskyy, Metropolitan of Lviv of the Roman Catholic Church in Ukraine; Mgr. Milan (Shashik) , Bishop

Ordinary of Mukachevo Greek Catholic diocese; Mgr. Cyril (Vasil) Secretary of the Congregation for Eastern Churches; Mitred Archpriest Fr. Dr Iwan Dacko, President of the Institute of Ecumenical Studies, Catholic University and President of the Society for Ukrainian Catholics "Saint Sophia" in Rome. Fr. Iwan Dacko reminded us the state of the Ukrainian hierarchy at the time of the Council. "The only Ukraine-carrier at that time was Joseph Slipy", as all the other bishops in Ukraine were wiped out. Fr. Iwan analyzed several sources which had information of the Second

Vatican Council and its relevant discussions and noted the lack of information for Ukrainians, as "then we had no theological journal ... the Council found us completely perplexed and unprepared". According to the speaker the Second Vatican Council initiated a new ecumenical movement: "Christians began to talk in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and respect". Another speaker Victor Yelensky, President of the Ukrainian Association of Religious Freedom focused on reforms envisaged by the Council: "The revolution made by the Council, was unexpected for many people. Already for long time the curia have not looked as strong as it was in 1962. Neither the conservatives nor the modernists expected that the Council would last a long time and predicted that it would only put the seal on the solutions prepared already long time ago". Conference participants had an opportunity to ask questions and share their own views on the Second Vatican Council. A fruitful discussion about our readyness to understand and accept the bold decrees of the Second Vatican Council completed the first day of the conference. Next two days participants worked in sections: theological, ecumenical, ecclesiological and socio-historical. http://www.ecumenicalstudies.org.ua/novini-institutu/2012/06/01/2735 "Conciliar decree «Sacrosanctum Concilium» remind us about the Mystery of

Christ incarnated in the nature of the Church" – Mgr. Hlib (Lonchyna)

On June 1st, 2012 at the Ukrainian Catholic University continued conference "The Second Vatican Council: the gifts of the Spirit - Mystery of the Church - the testimony of man". Discussions of topics of the day were divided in sections: theological, ecumenical, ecclesiological and socio-historical. Speakers of the theological section were: Bishop Hlib (Lonchyna), Apostolic Exarch for Ukrainian Byzantine rite in the UK (London); Mr. Michael Petrovych from the Department of Theology of UCU; Deacon Vasyl Rudeyko, Department of Theology of UCU; Fr. Peter Galadza, Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute of Eastern Christian Studies (Ottawa); Mr. Yury Tabak , an independent researcher from Moscow; Mr. Yury Pidlisnyy , Institute of Marriage and Family Life of UCU; Fr. Andry Oliynyk, Department of Theology of UCU; Fr. Yevhen Stanishevsky, Department of Theology of UCU; and Deacon Oleh Kindy, Department of Theology of UCU.

Mgr. Hlib (Lonchyna) talked about the constitution «Sacrosanctum Concilium». On his opinion the main priorities in this document were issues of language in Liturgy, concelebration, Holy Communion, reform of the Book of hours, the book of service and Trebnyk. He said: "Conciliar decree «Sacrosanctum Concilium» remind us about the Mystery of Christ incarnated in the nature of the Church. Speaking about the main parts of this conciliar decree, he said the salvation of the human race is completed through the sacraments, because the whole liturgical life is

concentrated around them. Independent researcher form Moscow Mr. Yury Tabak described the major aspects of contemporary Jewish-Christian dialogue and stressed that the Holy Tradition is a major base for any kind of faith. Yury Pidlisny prented his report: "The role and mission of the laity in the documents of the Second Vatican Council". In his view, the main mission of the laity according to the doctrine of the Council is changing the world, updating temporal things, but this is only possible if the laity perceive the evangelical Beatitudes primarily through its own life. Participants of the ecumenical-ecclesiological sections were: Archimandrite Cyril Hovorun (UOC-MP); Pavlo Smytsnyuk, Institute of Ecumenical Studies of UCU; Ella Bystritska, department of ancient and medieval history; Hnatiuk Ternopil National Pedagogical University; Fr. Andry Onuferko , Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute of Eastern Christian Studies (Ottawa); Victoria Liubashchenko, Krypyakevych Institute of Ukrainian Studies of the National Academy of Science (Lviv); Fr. Yury Sakvuk , Department of Theology of UCU; Taras Kurylets, Institute of Ecumenical Studies of UCU; Fr. Mykhailo Dymyd , Department of Theology of UCU; Fr. Myron Bendyk , Blessed martyrs Frs Severyn, Vitaly and Yakym Drohobych Theological Seminary; and Anatoly Babynsky, the Patriarchate journal.

Archimandrite Cyril Hovorun outlined three urgent problems of ecclesiology in the twentieth century, which to some extent are relevant today: - limits of the Church – when faithful of one church come to another confessional environment and find that there also there are signs of Christian identity, the traditional idea of the limits of the church becomes destroyed, and the question emerged: but where are limits of the true Church; - primacy in the Church, particularly in the Orthodox world the opposition of the Moscow and Constantinople Patriarchates; - development of the identity of the Church. Archimandrite also noticed that Greek Catholics are always on the side of orthodoxy in Catholic-Orthodox dialogue, and expressed his admiration for the freedom with which they express their opinions.

IES project and programs manager Pavlo Smytsniuk described in his report the impact of Orthodox ecclesiology, particularly Russian thologian Nikolay Afanasyev and Alexander Schmemann, on the doctrine of the Council. He said that Afanasyev works were often mentioned in the Acts of the Council and Schmemann was present at the Council as an observer.

Fr. Andry Onuferko , Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute of Eastern Christian Studies (Ottawa) stressed: "Council recognized that the Holy Spirit can work well among non-Catholics. There was launched the concept of spiritual ecumenism, what was prayer for Christian unity, common, within communities or private. Even before the Council, Pope John XXIII established the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, and Cardinal Augustin Bea its first head. The objectives of the Council were and remain the promotion of ecumenical thinking in the Catholic Church itself and establishing theological dialogues with other Christian Churches". Protestant views on the Second Vatican Council were also considered. According to Ms. Victoria Liubashchenko, Krypyakevych Institute of Ukrainian Studies of the National Academy of Science (Lviv), the changes brought with the Second Vatican Council were welcomed by the majority of Protestant churches. However, the path of reconciliation is difficult, often accompanied by certain fears of the dialogue participants. "Catholics and Protestants agreed that five centuries after the split they did not know each other, and in fact it creats different biases and stereotypes. Therefore, the "Decree on Ecumenism" calls for mutual respect and knowledge" – said the speaker.

The socio-historical section was held in a special way, because a witness and participant of the Second Vatican Council Mgr. Andry (Sapeliak) SDB Bishop emeritus of the UGCC was present there. In 1962 Bishop Andry was an eyewitness of the Second Vatican Council. According to the Bishop`s words the Council invited 15 Ukrainian bishops, where each individual had to say about his diocese, not the Ukrainian Church as a whole. Reminding the climate of the Council, Bishop said that it was impossible to say anything against communism or the Russian Patriarchate. He also draws attention to the change in regard to the Ukrainian bishops, when Joseph Slipy arrived to the second session of the Council. "The Ukrainian Church started not good because she was ignored. When Joseph Slipy have come an opinion on our Church changed. Fathers had a different vision on our Church. Then the Ukrainian Church began to dominate because of our Blessed Joseph Slipy". Mgr. Andry also noticed that at the Council Ukrainian patriarch was received with a lot of honor and respect. He emphasized the uniqueness of this man, for example, that the patriarchate after 18 years of isolation in Siberia could feel those challenges wchich the church was facing at this time, and emphasized the historic event when Joseph Slipy made a request for promoting our Church to a patriarchate status.

"Participation of the UGCC Bishops at the Second Vatican Council in the light of the diaries of Metropolitan Maxim Hermeniuk" – it was the theme of the report of Yaroslav Skira fron Toronto School of Theology. At the conference he presented the main ideas of M. Hermeniuk of events connected with the work of the Council, which included frustration. Namely, it was the desire for the Council to reflect more traditions of the Christian East. Among the bishops there was a discussion regarding the presence of Russian representatives at the Council. "M. Hermeniuk and other Ukrainian bishops were very concerned about the Eastern policy of the Vatican. They thought that this policy should lead to the condemnation of communism.

In his speech "The Second Vatican Council and the Greek Catholic underground in Ukraine" Fr. Andry Mykhaleiko , Institute of Church History of UCU spoke about the Ukrainian Church in Ukraine at the time of the Second Vatican Council. The main focus of the report concerned the main information sources from which Ukrainian priests learned the

decisions of the Council, hopes and disappointments of Ukrainians; as well as a discussion of ritual-liturgical changes. Among them the use of the term "orthodox" was put on the first place.

Summarizing the reporter said: "In fact there was a lack of information about the Council. Each of the revised interviews does not mention by name a single document of the Council and does not describe its contents".

Liudmyla Fylypovych, Department of Religious Studies of the Institute of Philosophy

of the National Academy of Sciences, Center for Religious Information and Freedom of the Ukrainian Religious Exsperts Association in her report: "The Second Vatican Council on the dialogue as a strategy for inter-religious relations" compared the vision of dialogue in 1962 and its practical implementation and current dimention. "The Second Vatican Council explicitly described position of the Church regarding the inter-action of different cultures, religions; the role of the Council in encouraging Catholics and Catholics to the development of inter-religious dialogue can not be overemphasized. There was reconsidered an attitude of the Catholics toward Christian religions as untrue and unsaved". Analyzing the impact on the Council to the next decades in ecumenical direction with the author mentioned the ecumenical views of Blessed John Paul II.

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The Second Vatican Council: reaping the fruits today The spiritual center of Galicia, Lviv, became a city in which the theme of the Second

Vatican Council was relevant at the Ukrainian Catholic University within three days. Conference on "The Second Vatican Council: the gifts of the Spirit – Mystery of the Church – the testimony of man" became a kind of implementation of the fruits of the Council, as it had

clearly expressed ecumenical and international character. Speakers, guests and the audience were representatives of various nationalities and religious identities.

Borys Gudziak and Myroslav Marynovych had a closing word at the end of the conference. They both emphasized that the fruits of the Council should continue today. Father Boris emphasised especially on the spiritual dimension of the Council, which deals with the fundamental dynamics of our life and the Church in general. Also a kind of challenge

and task for all should be readyness for the next similar or even larger Council. Myroslav Marynovych concluded his speech calling everyone to understand: what is the

Church: institution or spiritual need – a personal involvement of each of us in the life of the Church begins from realizing this. "We, organizers, prepared wood, and now you, participants made a fire which was burning for three days".

The third All-Ukrainian contest "Reporters of Hope in Ukraine" has started

in Lviv On June 6 the third All-Ukrainian contest "Reporters of Hope in Ukraine" was opened in Ukraine. This is a contest for the best article, reportage or program which is an "information-carrier of solutions," which means it presents important issues of modern society and gives them specific answers and shows ways to solve problems. It was organied by the Institute of Ecumenical Studies of the Ukrainian Catholic University with

the support of the French association "Reporters of Hope". The contest was created like a similar project in France (www.reportersdespoirs.ua), and in Ukraine it was held for the third time. To be accepted in the contest materials had to contain "information-carrier of solutions" and be published, announced, shown in any Ukrainian media (in Ukrainian or Russian) and also placed in the electronic media in the period from June 6, 2012 by June 7, 2013. Determination of the best works will be in four categories: "Society", "Economy", "Culture",

and "Religion". Materials` application deadline is June 7, 2013. The awards ceremony for the winners will take place immediately after their announcement by members of a jury (during the Sixth Ecumenical Social Week in October 2013). Look for the contest`s conditions details at the Institute of Ecumenical Studies website: http://www.ecumenicalstudies.org.ua/reportery The fifth graduation of the Master's Degree Program in Ecumenical Studies

On June 23 graduation ceremonies were held at the Ukrainian Catholic University. On this day graduates of Bachalor programs of UCU, Master's Degree Program in Ecumenical Studies (MDPEN) and Lviv Theological Seminary of the Holy Spirit received diplomas. It has already the fifth graduation of the MPDES of the Institute of Ecumenical Studies. Graduates of specialization in journalism were: Dubynyak Oksana, Zablotska Nadiya, Skitsko Kateryna. Topilko Myroslava, Krekhovetska Liliya, Bilous Oksana, Shablia Iryna and Rybak Yuliya received Diplomas of teachers of Christian Ethics. Another diploma was delievered to Iryna Khromets, the first graduate of the Distance Learning Master`s Degree Program in Ecumenical Studies. "Be witnesses of the great God and do not make for yourself any idols" – wished for the graduates in his welcoming remarks rector Fr. Dr Borys Gudziak. The guest of honor of the graduation celebrations was philosopher Charles Taylor, who arrived to Ukraine for the international seminar "Ethics and Religion in the Modern World". In his speech Charles Taylor talked on the future of democracy and said: "Democracy requires solidarity and fair sharing of benefits among all people, but on the other hand, it requires active participation of

all participants in this process. This is what can be called true patriotism". The fiest ended with a symbolic tradition of changing the side of the tassle and photo session. http://www.ecumenicalstudies.org.ua/novini-institutu/2012/07/03/2761

Foundation of the MDPES` Alumni Association On June 27 a meeting was held for graduates of the Master's Degree Program in Ecumenical Studies of the Institute of Ecumenical Studies. There were representatives from each of the five graduations and current students of the first and second years. Before the beginning of the event, students and guests watched a film about the IES. The meeting began with a moleben prayer carried by Fr. Roman Fihas, a researcher of the Institute. Welcoming address was delivered by executive director of the Institute of Ecumenical Studies Halyna Bokhonko. Then the graduates were able to get to know one another, as each graduation introduced itself and answered questions of the audience. Here are some graduates` comments on "what is the IES". "It was a step that helped me in the present work" – Mariya Kokhanovs'ka (graduated in 2008) "The IES is an environment where are good thoughts, that is why I liked the most the environment of the institute" – Svitlana Hurniak (graduated in 2009) "It was an opportunity here to open in a new way myself and other people. It was a secondary goal, which came later in the first place" – Olia Melymuka (graduated in 2010) The meeting raised the idea of Foundation of the MDPES` Alumni Association. It was considered a possible Asspciation statute and proposed possible events that graduates would be able to organize together. The main thing – a desire! The purpose of this union: "Convergence and establishing of a permanent dialogue between the MDPES alumni and further communicating with the Institute of Ecumenical Studies". This association will enable graduates to actively participate in the life of the institute, and new students to get acquainted with their predecessors, learn from their experience of training and know what prospects they could expect.

The twentieth Spirituality online edition was published The Institute of Ecumenical Studies continues to publish the Spirituality online edition. In June its twentieth number appeared.

The journal is monthly updated and readers can be acquainted with interesting events, social and religious life, and get information about important figures in Ukraine and abroad.

According to analytics conducted by the site administrators, the publication is visited by readers of Ukraine, Russia, Italy, Poland, the United States, Canada, etc.

The edition is bilingual: published in Ukrainian and Russian starting from October 2010. Since then the project has been successfully developing, involves new authors into cooperation, and encourages students in journalism of the Master`s Degree Program in Ecumenical Studies. The "Spirituality" was founded by the IES of UCU together with a socio-political newspaper "High Castle". All interested are able to come to the "spirituality" website and learn more about the spiritual life of Ukraine and the world.

Everyone who wishes to become a partner and/ or sponsor of the

IES, and/or support our students by becoming their “godparents”

(the annual cost for the education of one student is 500 euros),

please contact the Institute of Ecumenical Studies.

Institute of Ecumenical Studies

Ukrainian Catholic University

17, Il. Sventsitskoho Str.

Lviv - 79011 - UKRAINE

tel.: +38 (032) 240 99 44

fax: +38 (032) 240 99 50

ies.ucu@gmail.com web: www.ecumenicalstudies.org.ua