Zelensky tells what he talked about with Phanar Metropolitan
Meeting of Zelensky with Metropolitan Emmanuel. Photo: Zelensky's website
On August 10, 2023, Volodymyr Zelensky, in his video message, spoke about the meeting with Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon.
According to the President, he discussed with the Phanar hierarch the “peace formula” and the possibility of returning deported children to Ukraine.
“Of course, as always, we spoke about strengthening the spiritual independence of Ukraine and about the spiritual peace in Ukraine,” Zelensky said. “Our country is one of the historical centers of Christianity, and it will continue to be so.”
He assured that “Ukrainians were able to build a special format of religious relations in their home”, where “all communities are respected, all communities can convey their opinion to the state, all communities can participate in solving socially important issues.”
At the same time, the President warned that "the state will never allow any of the Ukrainian religious communities to be used by an aggressor state."
“Ukraine will survive, preserve independence, all aspects of independence, including spiritual,” Zelensky assured.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that Zelensky met with Phanar Metropolitan Emmanuel.
Read also
US priest urges defense of UOC amid persecution
Fr. Zachariah Lynch criticized plans to honor Zelensky at St. Nicholas Church in New York and urged Orthodox Christians to speak out against the persecution of the UOC.
Greek theologian condemns murder of monk at Sviatohirsk Lavra
Professor Georgios Foundoulakis of the University of Athens called the death of Monk Varsonofiy a tragedy for the entire Christian world.
Greece signs memorandum on protection of Jerusalem Patriarchate's shrines
Next week, the Greek Parliament will ratify a document on the protection of the cultural heritage of the Jerusalem Patriarchate.
Greek bishop calls imposition of same-sex marriage a threat
Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythera urged families to become a “domestic church” amid threats to the Christian family in Greek laws and school curricula.
Patriarch Bartholomew arrives in Budapest for opening of Orthodox center
The Ecumenical Patriarch has arrived in Hungary, where he will preside over the consecration of the Orthodox center "Phanarion."