Zelensky: In Kyiv, people can freely practise their faith

Volodymyr Zelensky addressing the participants of the prayer breakfast. Photo: rada.gov.ua

On 21 December 2023, President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking via video link to the participants of the Christmas prayer breakfast in Kyiv, said that there was a high level of religious freedom in the Ukrainian capital. The video of the speech was published by the press service of the head of State.

"I am glad that Kyiv belongs to those capitals where freedom reigns and people can freely practise their faith," Zelensky said.

According to him, "We cherish in our hearts respect for life, for those around us in life, and strive to make it feel that our hearts are united – united by peace."

"Such unity is truly felt when we are sincere when we do not betray our souls and when we courageously speak out in defence of life," the President added.

The prayer breakfast was attended by members of the Verkhovna Rada and the Cabinet of Ministers, diplomats, as well as the head of the UGCC Sviatoslav Shevchuk, the head of the OCU Epifaniy Dumenko and representatives of other denominations. They were joined via video link by US congressmen, in particular the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Mike Johnson.

As earlier reported, members of the delegation of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations during their visit to the USA said that the level of religious freedom in Ukraine is high and that churches are not being closed in Ukraine.

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