Ukrainian Orthodoxy

1. Why does your page on questions and answers read "Do you have a question on Ukrainian Orthodoxy?". In reading existing questions and answers on your site, your questions do not seem to distinguish "Ukrainian Orthodoxy" from other Orthodox. Wouldn't it be correct to say that all Orthodox that hold the Bishop of Constantinople as the Eucumenical Patriarch have the same views on all the doctrinal issues discussed at this site? Wouldn't a reader get the same answer from you if the site simply asked "Do you have a question on Orthodoxy"?

2. I am of Ukrainian descent and a baptized Byzantine Catholic. I have been practicing the faith in the Latin rite due to location constraints. I am very interested in Orthodoxy. My Questions are, What was the real reasons of the Council of Brest? What is the difference between the Byzantine and Orthodox Church? Also, What are the differences between Greek, Ukrainian, etc, Orthodox churches.

1. Although Orthodoxy is indeed one, it is nonetheless a unity in diversity. Theological pondering is also encouraged. It is not a cut and dried matter at all. Consequently it is not inappropriate to entitle this site "Ukrainian Orthodoxy" since its contributors are indeed linked to, nurtured by and participate in this particular part of the Lord's marvelous Vineyard.

2. There are varied opinions with regard to the Council of Brest. It was a complex time for the people of Ukraine and it appears that in 1596 the majority of the hierarchs of the Church decided that they would be in a better position if they were under the protection of the Church of Rome. They seem to have truly wished to keep their Orthodox distinctness however. On the other hand the larger part of the population remained Orthodox. Hence: the Ukrainian Catholic Church, with the majority of its faithful traditionally hailing from the Ukrainian province of Halychyna, and the Byzantine Catholic Church, which I understand to be composed primarily of believers from the part of Ukraine which lies to the west of the Carpathian Mountains - many of these consider themselves to be Rusyns rather than Ukrainians. The association with the Church of Rome and consequent distance from the body of the Orthodox Church brought about various divergencies in practice and outlook. There has been for some time now, on the part of these Catholics of the Ukrainian and Byzantine rites (particularly on the Ukrainian side), a movement to bridge the gap and to get closer to the Orthodox brothers and sisters. Some of the participants of this movement see themselves as (I quote): "Orthodox in communion with Rome". This identity is regarded with varying degrees of approval/disapproval by the Orthodox. As for the differences between the various national communities of the Orthodox it is a question of a unity in diversity: language, customs, traditions, culture, etc. The Lord's garden does not have only one but a multitude of colourful and delightful flowers which heighten its beauty and glory.