Zelensky: Church has influence on leaders, so dialog abroad is important
Kyiv • UNN
President Zelenskyy met with representatives of Protestant and Catholic churches in Ukraine, asking them to communicate with churches abroad to enlist Ukraine's support in the war against Russian occupiers, as churches have a great influence on society and government leaders.
During a meeting with representatives of the Protestant and Roman Catholic churches living in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked them to communicate with each other not only within our country but also abroad. After all, the church has a great influence on society and state leaders. Zelensky also said that it is important to strengthen the chaplaincy service by representatives of different churches, UNN reports with reference to the OP.
Zelensky congratulated them on Easter and wished Ukraine a victory in the war against the Russian occupiers.
"It will definitely come thanks to our soldiers, our people and your sincere prayers," Zelensky said and thanked the clergy for supporting the faithful in this difficult time.
"It is very important that people have the opportunity to come, talk to you, and pray. I would also like to thank the service of our military chaplains. Thanks to you, our boys and girls at the front have the opportunity to communicate and feel support from you," the President said and added that it is important to strengthen the chaplaincy service with representatives of different churches.
The clergymen suggested that Zelensky launch a nationwide prayer breakfast.
"The President supported this idea," the statement said.
Zelensky also noted that communication between churches in different countries is important.
"I would like to ask you to communicate with each other not only here, within our country, but also abroad. This dialog is very important for us now. After all, the church has a great influence on society, on state leaders. Therefore, this is a very important signal for us to support our partners," the President emphasized.
Valeriy Antoniuk, head of the All-Ukrainian Union of Evangelical Christian Baptist Churches and member of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, noted the importance of religious freedom in Ukraine. According to him, this is evidenced, in particular, by an effective partnership with the American community. Among other things, they organize prayer breakfasts, which provide an opportunity to share information about what is happening in Ukraine.
"We must not only continue to advocate for Ukraine, but also raise this issue at all possible levels. We are planning a series of meetings abroad to talk about the real state of affairs in Ukraine. We believe that it is important to convey the truth to the international community today. We are not just concerned about this - it is our pain," said Valeriy Antoniuk.
