Authorities praise UCCRO for ‘religious diplomacy’
Sybiha and Yelenskyi praise Dumenko. Photo: OCU
On July 24, 2025, a meeting was held between Ukrainian authorities and members of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO). The state was represented by Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Olena Kovalska, and Head of the State Ethno-Religious Service (DESS) Viktor Yelenskyi. Representing UCCRO were OCU head Serhii Dumenko, Roman Catholic Bishop Vitalii Kryvytskyi, along with Jewish, Muslim, and Protestant representatives.
According to reports, “participants discussed support for believers abroad, freedom of religion, and joint efforts in international informational and educational outreach.”
Sybiha stated that more than 7 million Ukrainians are currently living abroad and “reaffirmed the Foreign Ministry’s readiness to develop cooperation to support Ukrainian communities overseas.”
He did not explain why representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) – whose believers constitute the majority of Ukrainian faithful abroad – were not invited to the meeting.
Sybiha criticized Russia for the partial or total destruction of 596 Christian churches.
He emphasized that “since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian churches and religious organizations have become an integral part of our nation’s defense, engaging actively in spiritual, chaplaincy, humanitarian, social, and international advocacy work.”
He also alluded to the government's campaign against the UOC: “Parliament is making a significant contribution to countering Russian aggression and its devastating consequences. Your advocacy for Ukraine abroad and your efforts to communicate the truth about Russian aggression to the international community demonstrate the great potential of religious diplomacy,” the minister stated.
UCCRO members expressed their willingness to continue supporting the government at the international level.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that President Zelensky had thanked UCCRO members for advocating for Ukraine abroad.
Read also
St. Nicholas Church parish of Dnipro delivers aid to Kherson region residents
Believers of the Dnipropetrovsk Eparchy carried out a humanitarian mission to the Kherson region.
Celebrations honoring miraculous icon of Theotokos begin at Pochaiv Lavra
The festive All-Night Vigil at the Pochaiv Lavra began with an akathist before the miraculous Pochaiv Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos.
Metropolitan Nathanael consecrates iconostasis in Nosachevychi
The ruling bishop of the Volyn Eparchy led the Divine Liturgy at the St. Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene Church, where he consecrated the iconostasis.
Police officers in England invited to observe Ramadan fast in solidarity
British police officers of all faiths have been encouraged to observe the Ramadan fast alongside their Muslim colleagues to better understand the significance of Islam's holiest month.
Canadian military advises chaplains to avoid prayers and references to God
Canada's Armed Forces have introduced new guidance encouraging military chaplains to replace traditional prayers with neutral "spiritual reflections" at official ceremonies to accommodate service members of all beliefs, including atheists.