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.
Is the UGCC Catholic or Orthodox?
The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church is an Eastern Catholic Church. It is in full communion with the Apostolic See while preserving the Byzantine liturgical, spiritual and theological tradition.
Our services, icons, church singing, incense and many other traditions share their roots with Eastern Christianity. That is why a UGCC service can feel very familiar to people who grew up in the Orthodox tradition.
What is the history of the UGCC?
The roots of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church reach back to the Baptism of Kyivan Rus in 988. After the division between the Eastern and Western Churches, the Church of Kyiv developed in difficult historical circumstances.
In 1596, the Council of Brest proclaimed the restoration of full communion between part of the Church of Kyiv and the Apostolic See of Rome, while preserving the Eastern rite, liturgy and church tradition. The modern Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church grew out of that tradition.
What are the key beliefs of the UGCC?
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.
Can I come to your church if I’m not Ukrainian or not Greek Catholic?
Yes. Everyone is welcome at our services, whatever their nationality or church background. If you would like to know more about the UGCC, the Sacraments, or formally joining the Church, speak to the priest.
What calendar do we follow?
At St. Andrew 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).
What language is the Liturgy in?
The Liturgy is served in Ukrainian. The main prayers and the sermon are given in both Ukrainian and English, so you can follow along even if you don’t speak Ukrainian.
Do women need to cover their heads in church?
No. In the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church women are not required to cover their heads. Some choose a scarf or veil as a personal tradition or a sign of reverence during the service, but it is not a requirement.
How can I help or volunteer?
- Bring something baked for the coffee after the Liturgy.
- Speak to someone from the Board of Directors, or to the priest.
Or support the community with a donation. Support the mission →
How do I arrange a panakhyda, moleben or house blessing?
Speak to the priest after the Liturgy, or write to us and we’ll arrange a time. ugcc.austin.texas@gmail.com
Does the mission provide a tax receipt for donations?
Yes. We are a registered non-profit organization. Write to us by email and we’ll send you a receipt for your donations. ugcc.austin.texas@gmail.com
Didn’t find your answer? Write to us: ugcc.austin.texas@gmail.com