Speaking about the coming
celebration of 1020th anniversary of Baptism of Kyivan Rus’, President Victor
Yushchenko said that the event is very important for unification of Orthodox
Churches’ branches in Ukraine.
He also said that the visit
of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I to Ukraine on this occasion will contribute to
establishing dialogue between the Orthodox Churches in Ukraine. “Welcoming Ecumenical Patriarch is
a great honor for our land and our nation,” added Victor Yushchenko.
According to Victor
Yushchenko's opinion accord among churches in Ukraine is vital for country's development.
As one of tasks for the state here he named establishment of suitable
conditions for religions to develop. “I will be doing all I can… to bring Ukraine to accord among the churches”, - he
said, adding also that establishment of a single Orthodox Church in Ukraine is his dream.
Ecumenical Patriarchy
Bartholomew I has arrived in Ukraine to take part in celebration of the
1020th anniversary of the Kyiv Rus Orthodox Baptism on Friday, July 25.
He was met in Kyiv
“Boryspil” airport by President of Ukraine Victor Yushchenko, President’s Chief
of Staff Victor Baloha, National Security Chief Raisa Bohatyryova, Defense
Minister Yuri Yekhanurov, acting SBU chief Valentyn Nalyvaychenko, deputy
Foreign Minister Yuri Kostenko, ex-President of Ukraine Leonid Kravchuk,
members of parliament, and representatives of churches.
Today the President of
Ukraine and the Ecumenical Patriarchy will visit the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra
Monastery, will lay flowers to the monuments to Princess Olha, Kyrylo and
Mefodiy, to St. Andriy and St. Volodymyr.
