President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with representatives of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, among whom were the Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, Archbishop Hilarion of Winnipeg, Metropolitan Iov of Pisidia, Patriarchal Deacon Epiphany and Bishop Michael, Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarch in Ukraine.
Zelensky thanked the Orthodox Church of Constantinople and its head, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, for their prayers and support for Ukraine and Ukrainians. The president noted that the state is making every effort to overcome the problems faced by the church in Ukraine.
“It is clear that these challenges are not overnight and they did not appear today. For our part, we will do everything to ensure that there is indeed stability and peace in this direction. It is very important for us”, – added Volodymyr Zelenskyi.
The members of the delegation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate assured that their church and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew will continue to support Ukraine and pray for its well-being.
“So that a just peace reigns on the Ukrainian land. And for peace to reign in Ukrainian Orthodoxy as well. Our mission here is to show love and support. And that we are together with you, that we will cooperate in all these issues for the good of the Ukrainian people”, – said Archbishop Hilarion.
Zelenskyi also reminded that Ukraine is waiting for the visit of His Holiness, emphasizing its great importance for the country.
