The UCU Child Dignity Centre held a lecture for seminarians at theKyiv Orthodox Theological Academy

The UCU Child Dignity Centre is establishing cooperation with other denominations, in addition to the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. Ivanka Rudakevych, Ivanka Rudakevych, head of the “Church” division at the UCU Child Dignity Centre, gave a lecture on creating a safe environment for children to seminarians at the Kyiv Orthodox Theological Academy of the OCU.

The event took place with the blessing of the academy’s rector, Fr Yaroslav Romanchuk, and at the invitation of Fr Petro Lopatynskyi, a senior lecturer in the Department of Theology.

“Thanks to the UCU Institute of Ecumenical Studies, we were able to get to know the Orthodox Academy and establish cooperation with it. But I must admit, the invitation to give this lecture came as something of a surprise. It is wonderful that the academy’s management and lecturers understand the importance of the topic and wish to convey this to their students,” emphasised Ivanka Rudakevych.

Over 60 students from all years explored the concept of violence, strategies for responding to it, and analysed the personal responsibility of every adult who is in close contact with a child.

“We understand that the issue of violence prevention – and the topic of violence in general – is not a problem confined to a single denomination or a single sphere. It concerns everyone. That is why our Centre wishes to broaden its horizons. Whereas previously we worked exclusively with the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, we now aim to reach out to other denominations and offer them our support. We realise that this is very important,” emphasises Ivanka Rudakevych.

During her visit, she also met with the rector of the academy, Fr. Yaroslav Romanchuk, to discuss prospects for further cooperation.

Photo: Artem Novoselskyi