In USA, Zelensky awards Uniate metropolitan with Order of Mazepa
V. Zelensky awardштп Gudziak. Photo: FB page of the Philadelphia Archeparchy of the UGCC
On September 21, 2023, in Washington, Volodymyr Zelensky awarded the Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC), Boris Gudziak, with the President of Ukraine's award, the Order of Ivan Mazepa, as reported on the Facebook page of the Philadelphia Archeparchy of the UGCC.
During the ceremony, Olena Zelenska said that she personally knows Gudziak and that he is known by the military, displaced persons, and "young people who receive an excellent education thanks to him".
The First Lady added that Ukraine's defenders come from various faiths or may not be religious at all, but they all "fight against evil, against the worst that can be born within a person – a conscious desire to kill, destroy, capture, and make slaves. Therefore, it is also a spiritual battle." She thanked "everyone who fights with us in the spiritual and value dimension."
The Order of Ivan Mazepa is a state award of the President of Ukraine for a significant contribution to the revival of national cultural, artistic, spiritual, architectural and military-historical heritage. It was established by a decree of President Yushchenko in 2009.
Earlier, it was reported that Gudziak, during the 2019 presidential campaign, thanked Poroshenko for his good deeds during his presidency.
Read also
UOC's Social Department reports on aid provided during 1000 days of war
Millions of hryvnias in financial aid and hundreds of tons of humanitarian assistance were provided during this period.
On 1000th day of war, UOC opens exhibition dedicated to Church's mission
Before the exhibition's opening, a memorial service was held for those who perished and died during the war, as well as a prayer service for AFU soldiers and for Ukraine.
Zelensky on the Church: The era of those who sanctify terror is over
The President stated that in Ukraine, there is dialogue between the state and all religious communities.
Satanic show to be held in Prague as a counter to St. Nicholas feast
Terrifying creatures will scare children instead of giving them gifts.
Papal Nuncio in Kyiv: War is from the devil, it makes no sense
Visvaldas Kulbokas believes the Church's mission is to call for the urgent need to end the war.