| Identity Ukrainian Youth for Christ (UYC) – is an officially registered, non-profit making association of Ukrainian Youth. The association has the blessing of the Principal Archbishop of Lviv (Leopoli) of the Ukrainians. UYC is an independent organization and does not form part of any church, political or state structure. UYC collaborates with Catholics, Orthodox and with the Reformed Community. It also collaborates with State Youth Organizations and with non-statal youth groups involved in youth politics. Ukrainian Youth for Christ members are free to join any political or social association which adheres to democratic principles namely, national tolerance, reciprocal understanding among the churches and universal moral values. The principles which guide the organization’s activities are inspired by the official teachings of the Catholic Church, especially the orientations of Vatican II, among which are: the active involvement in political and social life, the openness to dialogue and ecumenism. Aim UYC’s aim is to bring together all Christian youth so as to propagate Christian morals, to spread the concept of a Christian world and to introduce young people to a Christian way of life by educating its members so that they may involve themselves in working for the good of the Church and of Ukrainian people. Objectives The main objectives of UYC include: • Help young people to accept Christian values and guide them to grow spiritually; • Youth Formation; • Encouragement and support to talented youth; • Introduction of youth to the world Christian contributions to culture and science; • Collaboration with other youth associations in Ukraine and in other countries; • Education of youth so that they may respect their national heritage, research and preserve historic documents and the spiritual and artistic treasures of the Ukrainian nation; • Give its members a public, social and sporting education; • Encourage its members to participate in national and international programs; Activities Among its many valid activities, the following may be singled out: • The spiritual formation and education of youth; • The organization of seminars, camps, conferences and occasions for the sharing of experiences with Ukrainian youth as well as with youths in other parts of the world; • Charitable work: caring for orphans and elderly people to prevent them from feeling abandoned or lonely; • Commemorate anniversaries and national and liturgical feasts; • Organize choirs, theatrical and sport groups; • The foundation and circulation of journals which diffuse Christian values; • Training of youth leaders; • Participation in Youth Congresses in Ukraine and in other parts of the world (WYD); • The organization of congresses, camps, spiritual retreats and pilgrimages to sacred places for youth; • The realization of long-term projects. Stages of development 1932-1933 – the beginning of the movement In order to promote Catholic Action, the Galizia Metropolita Andrea set up the Ukrainian Youth Catholic Action (UYCA). On the occasion of the Holy Year 1933 proclaimed by Pope Pius XI, he organized a number of youth congresses with the motto ‘Ukrainian Youth for Christ’ in various parts of Galizia In fact, the name of the association – Ukrainian Youth for Christ _ comes from the motto of the biggest youth congress which was attended by about 100,000 young people. This was held in Leolpoli, Ukraine, on 6 May 1933, under the patronage of the Metropolita Sceptytskyj. The great success of the Leopoli Youth Congress drew the attention of all the Ukrainian parishes spread all over the world. As a result all Ukrainian Academic Centres set up Catholic Action Groups wherever they were. I. 1939-1990 – the diaspora period II. 1990-2005 – the present period Today UYC has a number of members in Galizia and in East Ukraine. There were four stages in the Association’s recent developments:
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- Ukraina**
- activities**
Continents
Member Countries
Observer Countries
Ukrainian Youth for Christ (UYC)
Association of Ukrainian Youth