AS AN ordinary English lay-person, it was with deep distress that I read of the treatment of Bishop Augustin Hornyak, the Apostolic Exarch for Ukrainians in Britain, by dissenting Ukrainians at Nottingham.
At the end of June, with my husband, I was privileged to attend the celebration of the Petrone' Festival at the Ukrainian Church of the Good Shepherd in Gloucester. The little Church was packed with approximately 150 some of whom stood for the whole two hours. There were no demonstrations. only a deep. moving and reverent response to the beautiful liturgy, which is so much a part of the Ukrainian heritage. Afterwards, we all gathered in the Church grounds, with the bishop and priests. for a splendid parish picnic prepared by the local parishioners. Strangers were made to feel at home and good fellowship abounded.
I know Bishop Honiyak is deeply troubled by the divisions within his Church, but he is a brave and courageous man, who is not afraid to suffer for Christ. He also has a real hiving concern, for all the people within his jurisdiction whether they agree with him. or otherwise. Christianity is not about nationalism, titles, or prestige; but about loyalty, truth, peace, and above all love. There are many Ukrainians in this country who do understand and uphold these concepts.-I have met them.
H P MALYCKYj Bristol