03.12.2007, [18:31] // UGCC // RISU.ORG.UA
Lviv – The Holy Synod of Kyiv-Halych High Episcopate of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) published “An Address regarding the spread of HIV/AIDS in Ukraine,” in which the eparches of the UGCC expressed their concern over the spread of HIV/AIDS in the world and in Ukraine in particular, and called upon laymen to support people who live with HIV/AIDS. ugcc.org.ua posted the news.
The text of the address states: “On the International Day of Solidarity with people who live with HIV/AIDS, we, bishops of the UGCC, want to join the international community in responding to the tragedy which has touched humanity in the last decades. Our duty is to help those people who live with HIV/AIDS. All of us, the followers of Jesus Christ, can give to one another consolation, joy, prospects for the future, as well as faith and hope for salvation and life eternal.”
Also, the document says that “even though the spread of HIV largely, but not always, depends upon individual behavior and personal erroneous choice, it is closely connected with economic, social and cultural realities of the modern world. Therefore, it would be wrong to talk about HIV and AIDS, neglecting such important social factors as unemployment, violence, alcohol addiction, and lack of prospects for youth in particular.” In connection with all this, the eparches of the UGCC stress the need “to replace condemnation with compassion, and fear with hope.”