Meet the Speaker: Father Yuriy Shchurko

Father Yuriy Shchurko serves as dean of the Faculty of Philosophy and Theology at the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU). He has held a position since 2019 and was reappointed in October 2024. As an ordained priest of the Sambir-Drohobych Eparchy since 2001, he combines his academic work with pastoral ministry. He is married with four children.

His academic journey began with a Master’s in Theology from Lviv Holy Spirit Seminary and Lviv Theological Academy (now UCU) in 2001. He went on to earn a Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.) from the University of Opole, Poland (2007) and a Doctorate in Sacred Theology (S.T.D./PhD) in Biblical Theology (2010), with a dissertation focusing on linguistic-exegetical analysis of Luke’s Gospel (OBT 2016). From 2013 to 2016, he researched at the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt in Germany.

At UCU, Fr. Shchurko has served in various roles, including Head of the Spiritual-Pastoral Department (2008-2013) and founder of the Department of Biblical Studies (2016). His research interests include Second Temple Judaism and linguistic analysis of New Testament texts.

Within the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC), he holds several positions: Member of the UGCC’s Theological Department (since 2020), Head of the Personal Development Commission (appointed 2024), overseeing international study programs, and Member of the Council for Evangelization.

In recent years, his research has expanded to include contemporary issues, mainly focusing on just peace and related theological and ethical questions. His work continues to contribute to theological education in Ukraine and the broader Eastern European context through his academic leadership, research, and pastoral ministry roles. During the 2025 spring semester, he is serving as a Nanovic Institute for European Studies Visiting Scholar.