Uniates open a Catholic school in Zaporizhzhia
For the first time, Greek Catholics have established an educational institution in a historically Orthodox region, continuing the UGCC’s expansion into Donbas.
On September 1, 2025, the UGCC solemnly opened the first Catholic school in Zaporizhzhia. This event became historic for the region, where Catholic presence had previously been minimal.
The school was founded by the parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help of the Donetsk Exarchate of the UGCC and is intended for primary school students. Construction lasted 14 months, and the building was completed in August 2025.
The ceremonial opening was attended by the Donetsk exarch of the Uniates, Maksym Riabukha, who emphasized the importance of this event for the history of Zaporizhzhia. School principal Vitaliia Vovk stated that this is “not just a building with classrooms, but a place where the future generation will be brought up on the basis of eternal values.”
Zaporizhzhia region is historically an Orthodox area, where Catholic influence was insignificant. The opening of a Catholic school can be seen as part of the UGCC’s strategy to expand its presence in eastern Ukraine, particularly in the frontline territories of Donbas.
Earlier, the UOJ cited Shevchuk’s words that claims about the emergence of Uniates as a result of the Union are “Moscow propaganda.”
