The event of the Baptism of Rus-Ukraine is the cornerstone of our spiritual and state independence, - Primate of the OCU

Metropolitan Epifaniy of the OCU wrote about this on his page on Facebook.

"Realizing what deep and glorious roots we have, we will celebrate the 1033rd anniversary of the baptism of Rus-Ukraine with an all-Ukrainian prayer that will be heard in every corner of our independent Ukraine — the glorious heiress of the Kyivan state," Metropolitan Epifaniy said. "Unfortunately, due to the threat of a new wave of pandemics, this year will be celebrated in Kyiv without organizing a pilgrimage and a traditional large-scale religious procession. But I believe that on this important day for us, all of us, despite the distance, will thank the Lord with one mouth for all his benefits for us. We will pray for a just peace in Ukraine, United by our love for God and our neighbors, for our Native Church and for the Ukrainian people. And May the Lord do what we ask for good. Glory To Jesus Christ!".

Metropolitan Epifaniy emphasized that the baptism of Rus-Ukraine in 988 gave the Kyivan state joining the United Church of Christ, a strong spiritual foundation for life and development. The development of the state based on Christian values gave Russia-Ukraine the opportunity to reach a new level of international relations, to interact equally with the European world. In the Kyivan state the enlightenment was spreading, and the opportunity opened up to introduce you to the treasures of world civilization — books, scientific achievements, architecture, monumental art, and singing. Positive changes have taken place in all realms of society — both at the national level and at the level of each individual family.

According to him, faith-inspired our Cossack ancestors, Ukrainian enlighteners, fighters for freedom to work and victory for the sake of a better future for Ukraine.

"From the depths of time to the present day, the Ukrainian Church has shown in Word and deed that faith is a strong spiritual foundation for our independence and more than a thousand years of existence of our people as a Christian and European people," the head of the OCU concluded.

As RISU has reported, the OCU announced a program to celebrate the 1033rd anniversary of the baptism of Rus-Ukraine in Kyiv.