We pray for peace in Ukraine – President met with Patriarch of Jerusalem

In the course of the state visit to Israel, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko had a meeting with Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem, informs President's press service.

“We pray for peace in Ukraine and your assistance is important for us,” the President said at the meeting.

Petro Poroshenko also noted the important historic role of the Jerusalem Orthodox Church in the preservation and dissemination of Christian values in Ukraine. He also emphasized that Jerusalem was the center of Orthodox pilgrimage for many Ukrainians.

In his turn, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem noted “rooted in centuries relations between the Patriarchate and Ukraine”. “We especially pray for the fate of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine and the restoration of its unity. Because unity is essential for the welfare of the state,” he said.

The Patriarch stressed that "successful solution of all problems lies in unity." "We serve people in joy and in suffering, wherever they are, and we are ready to make our contribution to the restoration of peace and reconciliation," the Patriarch of Jerusalem noted.

The President together with his wife and children also visited the Church of the Holy Sepulchre where they prayed together with the Patriarch of Jerusalem for peace in Ukraine and unity of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.