Fun Facts About Ukraine, Lviv: The St. George’s Cathedral and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church

The St. George’s Cathedral in Lviv, Ukraine, and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church offer a rich tapestry of history, theology, and culture. This article presents a compilation of fun facts about these fascinating subjects, delving into the historical, theological, and cultural contexts behind each one. Where appropriate, authoritative quotes from the Catechism, Church documents, and Scripture will be used to enrich the understanding of these facts.

Fun Fact 1: The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church is in Full Communion with the Roman Catholic Church

Historical Context

The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church is a sui iuris Eastern Catholic Church that is in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church. The Union of Brest in 1596 formalized this communion, permitting Eastern Orthodox Christians in Ukraine to maintain their Byzantine rites while recognizing the authority of the Pope.

Theological Significance

The concept of “full communion” means that the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church accepts the jurisdiction and primacy of the Pope, making it part of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “The Pope, Bishop of Rome and Peter’s successor, ‘is the perpetual and visible source and foundation of the unity both of the bishops and of the whole company of the faithful'” (CCC 882).

Fun Fact 2: St. George’s Cathedral is a Baroque-Style Architecture

Historical and Cultural Context

Constructed between 1744-1760, St. George’s Cathedral in Lviv is a marvelous example of Baroque architecture. It serves as the mother church for the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and is also an important cultural monument in Ukraine.

Theological Significance

In Christian symbolism, Baroque architecture is often associated with the triumph of the Catholic faith. The ornate decorations and grandiose design aim to invoke divine awe and wonder, reinforcing the majesty of God.

Fun Fact 3: The Icon of St. George in the Cathedral

Historical and Cultural Context

The cathedral houses an icon of St. George, the dragon-slayer, who is one of the most venerated saints in both Eastern and Western Christianity.

Theological Significance

Icons in Eastern Christianity are not just art but are considered windows to the divine. The presence of the icon of St. George reflects the words of the Bible: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (Matthew 18:20).

Fun Fact 4: The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church Uses the Byzantine Rite

Historical Context

While in full communion with Rome, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church uses the Byzantine rite for its liturgy, sacraments, and clerical celibacy rules.

Theological Significance

The use of the Byzantine rite signifies the universality of the Catholic Church. The Catechism says, “The mystery of Christ is so unfathomably rich that it cannot be exhausted by its expression in any single liturgical tradition” (CCC 1201).

Fun Fact 5: The Bells of St. George’s Cathedral

Historical and Cultural Context

The bells of St. George’s Cathedral are an integral part of the religious and cultural life of Lviv. They have rung for centuries, marking liturgical events, festivals, and significant historical occurrences.

Theological Significance

In Christian tradition, bells serve to call the faithful to prayer, reminiscent of Christ’s call to “watch and pray” (Matthew 26:41). They serve as an audible reminder of the divine presence.

Fun Fact 6: Localization of Ukrainian Saints

Historical and Cultural Context

The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church has canonized many saints who were born in Ukraine or spent significant time there, such as St. Josaphat Kuntsevych, who was martyred for attempting to bring Orthodox Christians into communion with Rome.

Theological Significance

The canonization of local saints is a reflection of the Catholic Church’s teaching that sanctity is universal and accessible to all people, in all places, and times.

Fun Fact 7: A Museum and an Archive

Historical and Cultural Context

St. George’s Cathedral also houses a museum and an archive, preserving significant documents, religious artifacts, and works of art that span the history of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.

Theological Significance

The existence of a museum and archive within a place of worship testifies to the Catholic belief in the importance of preserving the “communion of saints” and the historical continuity of faith (CCC 946-962).

Conclusion

The St. George’s Cathedral and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church are not just religious institutions; they are keepers of history, exemplars of theological richness, and preservers of culture. Through the exploration of these fun facts, we not only understand more about this specific cathedral and religious community, but we also gain insights into the universal teachings and practices of the Catholic Church at large.