Zelensky hosts "military breakfast" in Kyiv Lavra's Refectory Church
Zelensky's address in the Refectory Church of the Lavra. Photo: President's website
On December 6, 2024, Ukraine's Armed Forces Day, President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a speech in the Refectory Church of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra during a "military prayer breakfast," reports the President's website. A platform was constructed for his address, while attendees were seated at tables. Screens on either side of the platform displayed a close-up view of the President.
In his speech, Zelensky thanked chaplains "who stand alongside our warriors on the front lines and do not hide from everything they endure there.." He also urged "all denominations" to engage in "vital and necessary" chaplaincy work. However, he did not clarify whether this included the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), which has been prohibited by the Verkhovna Rada from having chaplains.
The event was attended by leaders and representatives of various religious organizations, including the head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), Epifaniy Dumenko, Roman Catholic Bishop Vitaliy Kryvytskyi, representatives of Protestant denominations, Muslims, and others.
Previously, the UOJ reported that on November 4, 2024, the head of the radical nationalist group "Brotherhood", Dmytro Korchynsky, held a "prayer gathering" in the Refectory Church of the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
Read also
Patriarch of Jerusalem calls on Churches to support Christians of Holy Land
The primate of the Church of Jerusalem said that in a time of crisis the Orthodox world is obliged to provide spiritual and prayerful support to the faithful of the region.
Peace in Ukraine is still far away, says nuncio
The Vatican’s ambassador to Ukraine said society does not trust negotiations, pointing to the experience of previous international agreements.
Children receive gifts from UOC Primate in Kherson Eparchy
In the Kherson region, His Beatitude’s charitable foundation congratulated children on the holidays.
Number of Orthodox сhurches grows by third over 15 years in France – report
The report records an increase in the number of clergy by almost 40% – a sharp contrast with declining religious practice among Catholics and Protestants in France.
Shevchuk claims Putin wants him dead, Australian media report
In an article by an Australian newspaper, the head of the UGCC spoke of threats against him and linked them to the policies of Russia’s leadership.
Patriarch of Antioch expresses support for UOC
The Primate of the Antiochian Church emphasized that the canonical Church in Ukraine is the UOC.