Greek Catholics ask for VAT reimbursement for construction of Patriarchal Cathedral in Kyiv

The government owes the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) about 5 million UAH from value added tax (VAT) paid by the UGCC during the construction of the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Kyiv, Bishop Joseph (Milian), auxiliary bishop of the Archeparchy of Kyiv UGCC told the Information Department of UGCC.

According to Bishop Joseph, the funds would significantly help complete the construction of the church, which has been going on for eight years. «We do not claim any privileges, but would be grateful if we, as a conscientious taxpayer, were returned the paid VAT because it is provided by law,» said the bishop.

«We have submitted the relevant documents and hoped for the reimbursement of the funds,» said the bishop. «However, we recently found out that only 500 thousand UAH of VAT has to be returned, and 400 thousand were reimbursed in bonds.»

Background information

On October 27, 2002, the cornerstone of the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ of the UGCC was consecrated. A 1.72 hectare land plot was allocated for the cathedral and administrative building. The building of the complex began on September 9, 2002.

A significant amount of work was completed in 2003-2004. On October 10, 2004, the crosses of the Patriarchal Cathedral of Resurrection were laid and consecrated.

On August 21, 2005, the See of the Head of UGCC was moved from Lviv to Kyiv, a historic event for the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church

Currently, all work on the façade is complete and the scaffolding in the interior of the church is in place. In addition, work in the basement, where a crypt will be located, is almost complete.

Work continues not only in the main church of UGCC but also in the administrative building.

The consecration of the Cathedral is planned for the end of the Euro 2012 football championship.