Poroshenko calls on the authorities to ensure a worthy reception of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew
This is reported by Channel 5. The leader of "European Solidarity" emphasized that Patriarch Bartholomew's visit this year is very important for Ukraine
The politician also said that he recently held a meeting with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew: "I just returned from Constantinople and had a warm meeting with His Holiness. I thanked him for granting the Tomos and thanked him for his great love for Ukraine."
Poroshenko noted that the dialogue between the Council of Churches and society is extremely effective, which is why the level of authority of the Church in the state is indisputable.
The ES Party leader stressed: "I want to emphasize that this result was not set in advance. This is the result of your wisdom and your work. And many people need to learn from the Council of Churches about this important result. 20 years ago, thanks, among other things, to this dialogue and the common position of the Council of Churches, Ukraine adequately welcomed the visit of Pope John Paul II. I hope that with your support and participation, Ukraine will meet His Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch with the same dignity and inspiration."
Poroshenko also thanked the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations for their humanitarian activities: "From my own experience, I know the firm position of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches on countering Russian aggression. I recall our meeting in 2016 in Kramatorsk, where we discussed a number of issues on the agenda. Starting from humanitarian missions of churches to help Ukrainians trapped in the occupied territories, and ending with joint initiatives to extract hostages from captivity. The assistance that Ukrainians are feeling, including overcoming the severe humanitarian consequences of the occupation and persecution of believers that they experienced in 2014, is extremely important."
He stated that by implementing an important mission of public peace, the Council of Churches has become one of the most authoritative institutions.
