Zelensky tells Phanar head about interfaith peace in Ukraine

Vladimir Zelensky and Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: president.gov.ua

On August 20, 2021, President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky told Patriarch Bartholomew about interfaith peace in Ukraine, reports the website of the head of state.

During a meeting with Patriarch Bartholomew, Vladimir Zelensky said that Ukraine is a unique example of the peaceful coexistence of many confessions.

Zelensky thanked the head of the Phanar for his visit to Ukraine and noted that for him personally, as well as “for Ukraine, for all of us, it is a great honour that you joined us on such important days when we celebrate the 30th anniversary of our independence. This is very important for us."

The head of state remembered his two visits to Phanar and recalled that Patriarch Bartholomew has been in Ukraine for the third time, "and precisely on the 30th anniversary of Ukraine's independence."

Zelensky believes that "this is a landmark event" because it takes place in the year of the 30th anniversary of the election of Bartholomew as "Ecumenical Patriarch".

In turn, Patriarch Bartholomew thanked the President of Ukraine for the invitation and noted that “it is a great honour for him to celebrate this important date for Ukraine with you”.

As reported, in the opinion of the writer and publicist Yan Taksiur, after the visit of the Phanar head, the persecution of the UOC may increase.

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