The Polish church in Kyiv received a statue from the Pope
In the Roman Catholic Polish Church of St. Nicholas in Kyiv, a statue of the Archangel Michael was installed, which was consecrated by Pope Francis especially for transfer to this temple.
The parish of St. Nicholas Church reported this on its Facebook page.
“Providing enormous support to the Ukrainian people and calling for the restoration of peace, Pope Francis again sent his representative to Ukraine. This time, the Secretary for Relations of the Apostolic Capital with States (or otherwise: the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Vatican) Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher. The high-ranking guest took part in the ceremonial installation of the statue of St. Michael the Archangel, which Pope Francis consecrated specifically for this temple, which, in particular, is associated with its transfer for permanent use to the parish,” the statement says.
It is noted that Archangel Michael became the special patron of the temple more than 30 years ago. On September 29, 1991, in memory of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, in front of the closed door of the temple, Father Jan Krapan celebrated the Eucharist after a many-year break with the intention of returning the shrine. In addition, Archangel Michael is the patron saint of Kyiv and all of Ukraine in the XNUMXth century.
Let us remind you that the Kiev Church of St. Nicholas, which is now the property of the state in the status of a historical and architectural monument-museum, will be transferred next year for use to the Roman Catholic Polish parish of St. Nicholas. The decision on this was made by the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture last fall after the fire that occurred in the church.
“The Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine will facilitate the transfer of the church premises for permanent use to the religious community in accordance with the procedure established by law after completion of emergency work, but in any case no later than June 1, 2022,” the department’s message on the social network said.
The Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine, as indicated in the same message, will facilitate the search for other rehearsal halls and premises for concerts of the National House of Organ and Chamber Music and its relocation.
The transfer of the church to a religious organization is a step in line with the emerging trend of Ukrainian humanitarian policy towards clericalization. Under approximately the same pretexts, throughout the country there is a transfer of religious buildings used since Soviet times for concert halls, museums and other cultural needs to various faiths.
Organizations considered by the authorities as loyal have priority in this process. At the same time, potentially disloyal ones, like the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Metropolitan Onufry, which maintains autonomy within the Russian Orthodox Church, not only do not transfer premises, but also take away existing churches.
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