The Nicean-Constantinopolitan Creed, (AD 325, 381), also known as the Profession of Faith, is a concise summary in 12 articles, of what we as a Church believe. The Creed was written at these two Ecumenical Councils, which means the entire Church was present, so that it could serve as a guide of faith. Each phrase was very carefully debated and written so that one could say that if you do not agree with even one of these articles of faith then you could not consider yourself a Christian.
- I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen.
- I believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father.
- Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, one in being with the Father. Through Him all things were made.
- For us men and for our salvation He came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit, He was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man.
- For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate; He suffered, died, and was buried.
On the third day He rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures: He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. - He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom will have no end.
- I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father.
- With the Father and the Son He is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
- I acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
- I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
The Ukrainian (Greek) Catholic Church has the following attributes:
- It is in full communion with the Holy See
- It is an Eastern Catholic Church, following the traditions passed on from the Church in Constantinople
- It has over 5 million members worldwide
- It is the largest Eastern Catholic Church in communion with Rome
- It has its own hierarchy (bishops, cardinal) that are subject to the leadership of the Holy Father in Rome.
When you visit a Ukrainian Catholic Church, you may notice some differences between this “Eastern Church” and the “Western Church” (i.e. Roman Catholic Church). In an “Ukrainian Catholic Church”, you may experience:
- A more expressive Liturgy (icons, incense, repeated gestures, ceremonial singing)
- Very colorful priest’s vestments
- Little or no statues in church; Icons are numerous
- Evidence of Byzantium’s art, architecture, music and theological writings
- Liturgies said in English or Ukrainian (or a combination of both)
- Parishioners following either the Gregorian or Julian calendars
The Eastern Churches are like the “left lung” and the Western (Roman) Church is like the “right lung”. Both lungs are needed to fully function.
“Christ – Our Pascha” is the official text of doctrine of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church. The book reveals the characteristic of theological tradition of the Church, based on Scripture, the heritage of Church Fathers and pastors of the UGCC, decisions of the Ecumenical and Local Councils, liturgical writings, etc.
See link :