Historic 1991 return of Cardinal Lubachivsky revived Ukraine's Greek Catholic Church
In March 1991, a historic visit marked a turning point for the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. Cardinal Myroslav Ivan Lubachivsky returned to Ukraine for the first time since 1938, accompanied by Father Kenneth Nowakowski. The moment came after decades of Soviet repression, drawing massive crowds to welcome him in Lviv.
Cardinal Lubachivsky had been forbidden from entering Ukraine under Soviet rule. His arrival in 1991 symbolised a new era for the Church, with hundreds of thousands gathering along the route from the airport to St. George's Cathedral. The event highlighted the resilience of faith in the region.
Since 1991, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has organised an annual collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe. Over $230 million has been raised, funding hundreds of projects across the region. These donations have supported church infrastructure, pastoral programmes, Catholic education, and evangelisation efforts.
The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) has grown significantly since then, becoming the largest of the 23 Eastern Catholic churches in Ukraine. It now represents 12% of the country's population. Funds from the collection helped establish a television studio for religious programming and trained men for the priesthood.
Bishop Jeffrey M. Monforton of Detroit stressed the importance of solidarity among Christians in rebuilding the Church after years of oppression. Bishop Gerald L. Vincke of Salina, Kansas, described the collection as a privilege, reinforcing ties between American Catholics and their counterparts in Central and Eastern Europe.
The USCCB's collection continues to provide vital support, one project at a time. From restoring churches to training clergy, the funds offer hope and stability. The initiative remains a key lifeline for communities still recovering from decades of repression.
