Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Supports President's Initiative Aimed at Spiritual Independence

• Home
• News
• Presidential Office

[Link]

Deputy Head of the Office of the President Olena Kovalska and Head of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience Viktor Yelensky met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

The parties discussed in detail the state of religious freedom in Ukraine, which, despite the war, is being deepened by Ukrainian society. The Ukrainian side is proud that there are no closed churches or major and minor religions in our country, and the voice of the few religious communities in the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations sounds as loud as the voice of the churches to which the majority of Ukrainians belong.

[Link]

The Ukrainian side also thanked His All-Holiness for his continuous and unwavering support of Ukraine, which is highly appreciated by the Ukrainian people.

The Patriarch was informed about the crimes committed by the Russian occupiers against religious freedom in Ukraine, about the dozens of priests, pastors, and theologians killed by the Russian invaders, and about more than 630 destroyed religious buildings.

His All-Holiness emphasized that the world knows very little about these crimes and urged to spread the truth about religious freedom in Ukraine and those who are trying to destroy it.

The Ecumenical Patriarch confirmed his constant readiness to make the necessary efforts for the prosperity of Orthodoxy in Ukraine and noted that he cares for the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.

His All-Holiness noted that he supports everything that is aimed at the good of Ukraine. In particular, this includes the initiative of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on spiritual independence, which is a prerequisite for the development of our country.

The Ukrainian side delivered to the Ecumenical Patriarch an invitation from the President of Ukraine to visit our country.