Ukrainian Greek Catholic Bishops' Synod Opens in U.S.

DOYLESTOWN, Pennsylvania, SEPT. 27, 2007 (Zenit.org).- The first synod of the Ukrainian Catholic Church to be held in the Western Hemisphere convened Wednesday near Philadelphia.

The meeting of bishops and clergy, lead by Cardinal Lubomyr Husar, major archbishop of Kiev-Halyc, is being held at the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa until Oct. 6. The prelates are focusing on topics such as evangelization, priestly formation and youth ministry.

The opening day was spent in prayer on retreat, and will be followed by several days of meetings and deliberation.

The schedule also includes a trip to Washington, D.C., where an honorary doctorate from the Catholic University of America will be conferred upon Cardinal Husar.

The attendees will also visit the John Paul II Cultural Center, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, and celebrate the Divine Liturgy at the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family.

ZE07092702 - 2007-09-27