Ill inmates have got gifts from St. Nicholas in the hospital of prison system.

On December 23, 2011 sick prisoners under treatment in the Interregional Hospital of Penitentiary System in Bucha prison facility # 85 (Village Gostomel) have got into the hands  138 sets of toothpaste and toothbrushes as gifts from the St. Nicholas. About those gifts have taken a care parishioners of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Kyiv.

 "Inmates are pleased to receive signs of benevolent attention, which they did not dare to expect. Such gifts are always particularly "warm" as say prisoners themselves, and support their spiritual forces that in the circumstances of detention quickly become depleted, - says Fr. Constantin Panteley - the good always multiplies good. Thanks to all secret friends - assistants of St. Nicholas, who has always been particularly supportive to prisoners!"

Informs the Office of the UGCC ministry in the penitentiary system of Ukraine.

Christmas - "The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light!" (Mat. 4.16)

The year 2011 comes to the end, and with it, in human hearts and around, rules happy and cozy spirit of Christ's Nativity. Families will sit for festive table to give the praise to the Newborn Child Jesus and to sing Him Christmas Carols under the shining stars. They  will greet each other. But unfortunately, in today's world, there are many who are forced to celebrate holidays in solitude, far from relatives, or worse - behind bars. Thus they need consolation and assurance that Christmas comes to them, that Jesus is born in their hearts to these poor and difficult conditions. He comes to liberate the prisoners, to let the oppressed go free.

On December 21, 2011, on Christmas Eve, the nuns from various congregations have visited women prisoners in the town of Ponte Galeria near Rome, to light the Christmas star in squalid cells of the Police Center for Identification and Deportation. Currently there are about 70 women from around the world, including 6 Ukrainians, 5 Russian women, a woman from Moldova, Chinese woman, citizens of South American countries. But the vast majority are Africans. Unable to be legalized in Italy, they came under the jurisdiction of the police and have been detained pending their removal... Sister Emilia Vandich, SSMI, comes to visit Ukrainians and citizens of other countries of the CIS.

Nuns together with arested women usually have an ecumenical prayer because the inhabitants of the Center are persons from different denominations and even from different religions. Even Chinese lady who profess Buddhism readily communicate with the nuns who bring them  books to read. The One Lord unites all.

In the pre-Christmas ecumenical prayer were heard carols and songs in different languages, women read passages from the Gospel of the Nativity of Christ, prayed for their needs. Their greatest desire is to be released, to become happy and free people. Among women, there are many who have experienced violence, sexual slavery, disrespect and contempt. They grant their hearts in prayers to Christ, they want to be free. And He came for that. A small child rested in their hands on red napkins - they cherish Jesus as the King. They make it here. Because so many of them can not keep their hands on their own babies or grandchildren - they are far away. They watch the little Jesus and tears are rolling down their eyes. He is born in their hearts. After prayers the sisters prepare lottery, and therefore, each received a Christmas gift: clothes, sweets and toys. So farther was a feasting. Traditional Italian paneton with raisins - an essential attribute of Christmas, even just a small part makes bitter weekdays sweet. Ponte Galeria, as poor stable for Bethlehem. Women will wait for Evening Dawn and rush to their native home, singing carols through tears and melancholy. And a ray of Christmas stars overshadow their way to Christmas crib, where they will meet Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, the Father of Life, Prince of Peace.

Emilia Vandich, SSMI

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Charitable assistance to women-prisoners from the UGCC parish of St. Nicholas has continued for nearly 20 years.

On December 21, 2011 Oriflame soaps, creams and shampoos have been spreading from the community of St. Nicholas at Askold Grave. Fr. Constantin Panteley greeted to Nicholas Day women who are in Kyiv remand prison. Parish charitable assistance to women-prisoners lasted for about 20 years on the initiative of Fr. Igor Onyshkevych - rector of St. Nicholas Parish Church.

The information for all the ICCPPC European representatives.

According to decision of the ICCPPC European Representatives during the meeting in Rome (13 - 16 January 2011) verified in Cameroon 2011, the next European meeting will take place in Lviv (Ukraine) from 09 to 12 January 2012. The arrival is in Lviv International Airport. A group of volunteers will meet guests in proper time (the Itinerary must be given in advance! to e-mail: panteley@ukr.net)

Location of the meeting:

The UGCC Lviv Metropoly Holy Spirit Seminary,
vul. Khutorivka, 35, Lviv, Ukraine, 79070

ph./fax +38 (032) 244-93-59
URL: http://www.lds.lviv.ua/

Schedule of the Conference.

9 January - meeting for the European board. (arriving 8/1 evening)

10-11 January - meeting for the European Delegates. (arriving 9/1 evening)
10 January 10 a.m. - Divine Liturgy with Arcbishop Ihor Voznyak, Metropolitan of Lviv, the UGCC.
11 January 05 p.m. - Holy Mass with Archbishop Mechyslav Mokshytskyj, Metropolitan of Lviv, the RCC.

12 January – departure of the European Delegates.

12-13 January - meeting with the Ukraine Chaplaincy. (arriving 11/1 evening)

13 January – departure of the Ukrainian Chaplaincy.

                   

This meeting will have several objectives:

• the survey of the Declaration approved at the World Congress in Cameroon, in Yaounde, 2011,
• the further reflections on development of cooperation of catholic prison chaplaincy of European Region.
• inspiration for Catholic Prison Ministry in Ukraine through the meeting with local chaplains.

For more exact information, please, contact:

Fr. Constantin Panteley,

the UGCC Penitentiary Pastoral

ph./fax: 0038044 279-19-20

cell: 0038098 422-9-221

e-mail: panteley@ukr.net

skype: constantin.panteley

URL: http://ukraine-prison-ministry.blogspot.com/

Fr. Gregory Draus, 
Head Chaplain 
of the Roman Catholic Church in Ukraine
cell. 00380975170642
fax: 00380362242601
e-mail: draus@ukr.net

The ICCPPC.

The International Commission of Catholic Prison Pastoral Care finds its roots in an international Congress, convoked on behalf of the Secretary of State, by the future Pope Paul VI, in the Holy Year 1950 in Rome with the participation of prison chaplains-general from many European countries, the United States of America and Argentina.

In 1954 a second Congress took place in Fribourg in Switzerland. After this congress several meetings were held at irregular intervals. The purpose of these meetings was to support prison chaplains and bring to the Church a greater awareness for Prison Pastoral Care.

In 1972, the third Congress was held in Rome. It became obvious that continuity was needed. The Commission required Statutes and a Charter.

In 1974, the "Internationale Kommission der Katholischen Gefängnisgeistlichen (IKG)" was established in London and Statutes were adopted in accordance with Swiss Civil Law.

In 1983 in Strasbourg a special Charter was adopted. Other Congresses were subsequently held in Munich 1977, Madrid 1985, Vienna 1987, all in Western Europe. In 1990, in Rome, Episcopal Conferences from Africa and South America joined the Commission. In Bovendonk 1993, Warsaw 1996 and Mexico 1999 the Commission saw membership grow in more than 100 countries over all the world. At that time, the Commission really became the International Catholic forum for Prison Pastoral Care.

During the Jubilee Year 2000, the Executive Board, on behalf of the Commission, applied for ecclesial recognition as Public Commission of the Faithful. For this reason its Statutes were adjusted and the name is "International Commission of Catholic Prison Pastoral Care".

In the same year, the Commission was affiliated to the United Nations as a Non Governmental Organization in special consultative status.

THE ICCPPC EXECUTIVE BOARD 2011 - 2015

ICCPPC President Fr. Brian Gowans Scotland

ICCPPC Vice-President Fr. Pawel Wojtas Poland

Africa Representative Fr. Peter Kimani Ndungu Kenya

Asia Representative Fr. Sebastian Vadakumpadan India

Europe Representative Fr. Marc Helfer France

Latin America Representative Fr. Jorge Garcia Cuerva Argentina

North America Representative Fr. Ted Hughes Canada

Oceania Representative Fr. Peter Carroll Australia

Episcopal Advisory Board

• His Em. Cardinal Nicolas de Jesus Lopez Rodriguez, Dominican Republic.
• His Em. Cardinal Dr. Christoph Schönborn, Austria.
• His Em. Cardinal Dr. Peter Erdö, Hungary.
• His Em. Cardinal Christian Tumi, Cameroon.
• Archbishop Giampaolo Crepaldi, Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.
• Rt. Rev. Dr. Jan A. de Kok OFM, Netherlands.
• Rt. Rev. Dr. Diarmuid Martin, Ireland.
• Rt. Rev. Dr. Terence J. Brain, United Kingdom.

Consultants

Rev. Fr. Leonard T. Kosatka C.P. Japan

GENERAL SECRETARIAT

Secretary General

Mr. Gerard Loman

ICCPPC, Postbus 13049, 3507 LA Utrecht, Netherlands,
e-mail:  gerard.loman@wxs.nl

The V-th Social Days of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church were held in Menska penal colony № 91.

Organizers of Social Days always are turning their attention to all who needs help. As long as nothing could take a place of a sincere human communication they visited also prisoners. The specificity of Mena penal colony # 91 for men is that the inmates mostly are former officers of armed forces or police. This visit was a respons to the invitation which was many times expressed in letters of convicts directed to the UGCC Department for Pastoral Care. Fr. Lubomir Jaworsky (Head the Office for Pastoral Care in the Armed Forces of Ukraine) and Fr. Constantin Panteley (Head of the Office for Pastoral Care in Penitentiary System of Ukraine) made a trip to this penal establishment.

The idea of social solidarity is a purpose of the UGCC Social-Days in Prison. So this visit joined performers of Ukrainian folk songs, the members of the All-Ukrainian public organization “The Gait of the Myrrhbearing Women” Mrs. Zoya Ruzhyn (Honored Worker of Culture of Ukraine), Mrs . Inna Andriyash-Misko (soprano, Honored Artist of Ukraine, soloist of the Kyiv Philharmonic, laureate of international competitions) and the duet "Two Hannusyas" of folk ensemble "Volynianka" Mrs. Hanna Makowska and Mrs. Hanna Yarmoluk.

The spiritual introduction to this event was performed by the chaplains who spoke about the mission of the Church in power structures of Ukraine. They stressed the interdenominational dimension of this ministry. In particular, guests mentioned the round tables and conferences held last week in Kyiv, which aimed to focus on pastoral care of militaries and police as well as prison chaplaincy. The priests stressed the need for nurturing spirituality and tolerance towards all people in Ukrainian multidenominational society. "After such a busy week, when have been held the international round tables and conferences about the revival of chaplaincy, it was not easy to decide in favor of the all day’s trip to Mena, - Fr. Lubomyr is sharing - But a spiritual meeting, which we have experienced compensated for every kind of fatigue."

An art program was assisted by Mrs. Zoya Ruzin. She described the activities of “The Gait of the Myrrhbearing Women". Acapella singing together with recitation performing by poet and composer Anna Makowska. Duet of Anna Makowska and Anna Yarmoluk gave to the audience a traditional song of Woodland. Inna Andriyash-Mysko completed a series of spiritual classics from here collection «Ave Maria», and several folk songs. The highlight of her performances were songs by akomponiment of guitar.

"The concert program, which on the eve of St. Nicholas Feast we heartily presented for people deprived of their liberty is a kind of gift of God for them and for us. We felt the sense of this Christian mission - to bring the mood of harmony, kindness and love - says Zoe Ruzhin - very touched us how the listeners responded with applause and how after our performances they came and shared their filings. 

"I was in prison for the first time. Before it I had experiences of concerts for different audiences in different halls of Ukraine and abroad. Here I was positively impressed by an intelligent and grateful audience. They were  open, not hidden by masks, genuine sincerity. There was a real union of souls "- shares here impressions Mrs. Ina Andriyash-Mysko, opera singer.

Art meeting finished by granting "Many years", socializing and by sweets refreshments.

The UGCC office for Prison Pastoral Care.

Ukrainian Christian Churches seeking to make real steps to implement prison chaplaincy.

December 15, 2011 a roundtable entitled "Implementation of the religious rights of convicts and persons who are in pretrial detention. The influence of spiritual and moral factor in the correction of prisoners" has been held in the URINFORM agency with the assistance of the National Expert Commission of Ukraine for protection of public morals and the Association of Ukrainian Lawyers.

During the roundtable, which was attended by members of the Ukrainian Interdenominational Christian Mission "Religious and charity care in prison", officials of the State Penitentiary Service of Ukraine, Co-Chair and members of the Public Council the State Penitentiary Service of Ukraine, was presented the achievements of partnership between Churches and Penal System of Ukraine. Particularly stressed the indispensable role of Christian spirituality in repentance and reconciliation but especially - the role of Christian ministry to help our fellow citizens to come back into society.

According to statistics of the State Penitentiary Service of Ukraine there are 74 churchbuildings, 46 chapels, 4 houses of prayer, 202 prayer rooms and 17 places of worship. The total number of convicts believers who constantly attend religious activities is about 38 thousand people, and 2,349 of clergy and volunteers who come for spiritual-educational work with convicts. Those clergy and volunteers representing 103 religious faiths, communities, organizations and churches, officially registered in Ukraine. Recently the chapel was consecrated in Derzhyv ML 110.

The participants of the "round table" noted that in 20 years of independence of Ukraine the cooperation of Churches and religious organizations with the Criminal-Executive Service of Ukraine has become more systematic, but it needs further improvement and proper legal support. In their opinion, any prisoner should have access to spiritual care by representatives of his or her denomination and those who are in pretrial detention.

It was stated that the leading goal of humanizing the penal sphere should be the creation of the officially recognized prison chaplaincy. That's why representatives of all denominations that officially exist in Ukraine, must be engaged in the process of concept for development of this institution. In this regard the round table participants agreed to appeal to relevant authorities with a proposal to solve the existing stumbling blocks for realization of religious rights of prisoners and persons who are in pretrial detention.
 

As a kind of preparation for the roundtable was the seminar on "Legal problems of the right to freedom of conscience in pretrial detention" in the morning of December 15, that was organized for the priests at the National Expert Commission of Ukraine on protection of public morals for board members of the Mission. Tatyana A. Denisova - vice-rector for research and educational work of classical private university, the director of the Institute of Law named. Stashysa Vladimir, Doctor of Law, Professor, Honored Lawyer of Ukraine, and Gennady S. Syemakov - PhD in Law, Professor of Criminal Law and Procedure of the Kiev University of Law National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, taught how Churches could participate in preparation of legislative support of pastoral ministry in prisons.

Exсellent bishop Vasyliy Semenyuk has blessed the new chapel in women prison of Zbarazh.

On December 5th, 2011 at the Zbarazh penitentiary colony (№ 63) has been held the ceremony of Consecration of Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which was built in the Interregional Specialized TB Hospital functioning in this penal institution. Exсellent bishop Vasyliy Semenyuk has blessed the new chapel. Prison chaplain Fr. Omelyan Kolodchak has organised the theatrical presentation "Holy Virgin stands between us" with participation of women-inmates.

This Chapel will be used for needs of women prisoners who are in TB-hospital. A holy place where they can retire and pray. The event attended head of the UGCC Office for Ministry in the Penitentiary System of Ukraine Rev. Constantine Panteley, priests of the Zbarazh Deanery, Fr. Vladimir Boris, chaplain of the UOC-KP, Head of the State Penitentiary Service of Ukraine in Ternopil region, Major General Paul Losik, head Zbarazh colony Colonel Retyuk Alexander and chief for social-psychological service Lt. Col.Lyudmila Leskiv.

After the ceremony Excellent Bishop Basil and all the priestshood visited the household premises and got acquainted with the living conditions inside the penal institution. In the updated dormitory they could see how were renovated sleeping rooms, bathrooms, rooms for personal hygiene, household facilities and rooms for storage for products. In a separate house - a modern bath. There is a hairdresser.

In 2004, pastor Rev. Omelyan Kolodchak started his ministry for convicts at the institution. Since 2007 was opened the chapel of St. Demetrios for liturgical celebration of chaplains of the UGCC and the UOC-KP. However, the TB-hospital is separated from the main institution. So long ago there was a need for the dedication of a special place for prayer for women under treatment. Mari's ministrants at the Church of the Holy Resurrection of Christ in Zbarazh (children from 13 to 15 years) for the past three years are helping to chaplain Fr. Omelyan in care for women in the institution. They granted the figure of the Blessed Virgin for the chapel.

 

A person of Most Holy Mary the Mother of God..

On December 4, in the day of Feast of the Entrance of Mother of God into the Temple, Fr. Constantin Panteley visited prisoners in Kyiv pretrial prison and greeted minors, women and convicts serving their sentence in that prison. On the same day greeting has been given in men's colony #85 of Bucha in the inter-regional hospital of prison system for men. The focus of the sermon of Fr. Constantine was a person of the Virgin Mary who gave birth to God-Man Jesus Christ, becoming a living temple of the Incarnate Word. On Monday, December 5, 2011 blessing of the chapel will be held in Zbarazh women's penal colony, which has an interregional female hospital of penitentiary system of Ukraine for women suffering TB and AIDS. Context of the Holidays of Most Holy Virgin Mary would sound in time of the consecration, which will celebrate the Excellent Bishop of Ternopil and Zborov Vasyliy Semenyuk.