President Viktor Yanukovych has been awarded the highest award of the Jerusalem Orthodox Church, the Order of the Holy Sepulchre by Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem.
"I accept this award as a token of strong spiritual ties historically formed between Ukrainian Christians and the Patriarchate of Jerusalem," the presidential website quoted Viktor Yanukovych as saying.
According to the president, the values of Christianity consolidate Ukraine and help our nation to overcome the current challenges. "We are committed to these values and it will last," he said.
Patriarch Theophilus III said that the president of Ukraine was awarded the Order as a token of good relations between Ukraine and the Jerusalem Orthodox Church. He reminded about the close ties between the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and Ukrainian believers. According to the patriarch, the large number of pilgrims from Ukraine is an indication thereof.
"May God bless you and the people of Ukraine," said the patriarch.
Viktor Yanukovych gave Patriarch Theophilus III a copy of the Peresopnytsia Gospel.
During his work trip to Israel, Ukraine’s president visited the Holy Sepulchre. “Yesterday and today, I prayed at the Holy Sepulchre that Ukraine should be strong, that Ukraine and we should be respected in the world. That our people should live better lives for they deserve it,” said Yanukovych to journalists in Jerusalem.