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.

Read also

TCC Abducted a Protodeacon of the Volodymyr-Volyn Diocese of the UOC

The diocese reported that Protodeacon Bohdan Rudnychok was taken near his home after a church service and brought to the TCC in Rivne

MP calls strike on Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra "beneficial"

The lawmaker said the strike on the monastery became a useful tool against the “routinization” of the war – one Ukraine should take advantage of.

Authorities hold AI conference in Lavra's Refectory Church

Ostapenko said the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra had experienced firsthand how Kremlin bots operate.

Ternopil official who threatened to expel UOC sentenced to 9 years

The Appeals Chamber upheld the sentence against Mykhailo Holovko, who had vowed to evict the monks from the Pochaiv Lavra.

Bandera fresco shown online in Ternopil UGCC cathedral

Stepan Bandera is depicted in a suit on a fresco inside the UGCC cathedral in Ternopil.

Yelensky: There is a risk the UOC could appeal to ECHR and win

The head of DESS suggested the state could lose if European judges see the UOC ban as a violation of freedom of conscience.