Lutheran pastor decorated by Germany for sheltering Maidan participants in 2013-2014

The award was announced on November 8 by German Ambassador to Ukraine, Anka Feldguzen, Interfax-Ukraine reports.

"He helped people on the Independence Square - the Maidan - in the winter of 2013-2014, he advocated for their right to peaceful protest. He turned the Church of St. Catherine into a refuge, a place of peace and in danger prevented a violent confrontation between protesters and police, standing between the parties," the Ambassador said at the presentation of the order.

The diplomat stressed that the order is the highest civil recognition of by Germany of services to the public good and is awarded to German citizens and foreigners for political, socio-economic and spiritual achievements, as well as for special services to Germany.

In turn, the pastor thanked for such an award and expressed hope for peace in Ukraine.

"There is a German song the meaning of which can be interpreted in such a way that many small steps and a large number of people can change the world. You and I can walk this path and achieve good for the world. We are united by the desire for peace for Ukraine. And I sincerely wish all Ukrainians that this peace soon came," said the awardee.

Ralph Hasca was the pastor of the church in Kyiv from 2009 to 2015.