Ukraine is looking forward to the visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and his participation in the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the country’s independence, said head of the President’s Office of Ukraine Andriy Yermak.
“The whole country is looking forward to the visit of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and his participation in the celebration of the 30th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence … The state will do everything to ensure that the visit of the Ecumenical Patriarch to Ukraine takes place at the highest level,” Yermak said during a meeting with Bishop of the Orthodox Church of Constantinople, Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon, the presidential press service said.
Yermak conveyed greetings from President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky to the Ecumenical Patriarch and gratitude for the support of Ukraine.
He noted that all confessions feel free and independent in Ukraine.
“Volodymyr Zelensky is a President who does not use the church for political purposes,” he said.
For his part, Metropolitan Emmanuel expressed confidence that the expected visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Ukraine in August will be prepared and will take place in the best possible way.
He noted the openness and support of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, which was confirmed by the visit of the Ukrainian president and the first lady to Istanbul and the meeting with Bartholomew in October 2020.
Metropolitan Emmanuel stressed that the Orthodox Church of Constantinople prays for the end of the war in Donbas and peace in Ukraine, as well as for the end of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ukraine and around the world.
