Single local Orthodox Church will promote the unity of the country – President at the meeting with representatives of Ecumenical Patriarch
President Petro Poroshenko met with representatives of Archbishop of Constantinople–New Rome, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, who came to Ukraine to participate in the celebration of the Day of Christianization of Kievan Rus’ – Ukraine and commemoration of the 1000th anniversary of the repose of Grand Prince of Kyiv Volodymyr the Great.
The President welcomed leaders of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of USA and Canada Metropolitan Yurij (Kalistchuk), Metropolitan Antony (Scharba), Bishop Daniel (Zelinsky) and UOC representative Danyl (Bilak) in Ukraine.
“The Prayer of Ecumenical Patriarch and his unshakable position in defense of peace and unity of Ukraine helps us heal the wounds caused by Russian aggression and terrorism,” Petro Poroshenko said.
The Head of State noted that Ukraine is going through difficult and crucial times. Each day is an example of great service to the Motherland by the Ukrainian militaries in Donbas and the entire Ukrainian nation, which is doing everything possible to unite and overcome challenges, as stated by Petro Poroshenko. “Ukrainian people pray for the unity to be achieved in church life. All Ukrainians strive for the creation of local Ukrainian church. It is a dream that will help Ukraine become united and preserve principles and traditions,” the President emphasized.
In their turn, representatives of Ecumenical Patriarch noted that it is a great honor for them to take part in today’s events. “The Patriarch asked two Metropolitans from Canada and USA to come to Ukraine and celebrate the 1000th anniversary of the repose of Grand Prince of Kyiv Volodymyr the Great with the people of Ukraine,” Metropolitan Yurij said. He noted that war in Donbas facilitated the unity of the Ukrainian nation. The representatives of Ecumenical Patriarch are hopeful that the dialogue on the unification of the Ukrainian Orthodox Churches will be continued.
