UOC-MP claim to support Zelensky in his aspiration to become the "President of Peace"

Following the visit to Italy, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky stressed that he would like to become the "President of Peace", turning the war from cruel reality into a terrible memory. To this end, he said, every effort should be made. This is reported by TV-channel 112.

Metropolitan of Boryspil and Brovary (Pakanych), Chancellor of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, said that a similar position had long been adopted by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, which declares its readiness to support the president's peacekeeping initiatives.

"It is extremely important to achieve a complete ceasefire and to stop combat action. This is the most important prerequisite for starting a full and effective dialogue. After all, while guns are speaking in the Donbas, while blood is being poured and death is reaping its bitter fruit, no normal conversation is possible at any level.

Second, the quality and prospects of a peace dialogue depend on the parties' level of trust in each other. In this context, our church is ready to become one of the mediators contributing to establishing the necessary understanding. We know very well what people live on different sides of the dividing line. In particular, because some of our dioceses are both in the controlled and non-controlled territories.

Third, not only the right words are needed, but the deeds that bring closer together much faster. We have many areas where we could lay foundations for peace now on our earth and in the souls of our people. We are talking about joint humanitarian projects, charitable assistance, adoption of necessary laws, etc.,” said Metropolitan Pakanych.