President Poroshenko tells Patriarch Filaret: your prayer was always with Ukrainians
President Poroshenko met with the head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church - Kyiv Patriarchate, Patriarch Filaret of Kyiv and All Rus-Ukraine and greeted him on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Patriarchal enthronement.
“Thanks God, Ukraine is fortunate to have had sucha Patriarch for over 20 years, almost as much as the independent Ukrainian state exists. Your prayer was always with Ukrainians so that the Lord protected us and helped us consolidate in hard times, unite and face up to the challenges together,” he said at the meeting held at the Patriarchal residence.
According to the website of the Head of State, the President wished Patriarch Filaret longevity, and wished that Ukraine would have such a Patriarch for many years to come.
Patriarch Filaret thanked for the greetings.
“I am grateful that we have such President of Ukraine at the time of trial. The Lord tests Ukrainians whether they are worthy to have an independent state. We received the statehood received as manna from heaven, and now we have to survive through this trial,” Patriarch Filaret said, adding that the Ukrainian peoplefight with dignity and adequately protect their land.
“The Church cannot but stay with its people,” - said the hierarch as he thanked the Head of State for support in the establishment of the unified Orthodox Church. “I am grateful that the President understands that there should be one Church, and then it will protect us.”
President and Patriarch Filaret discussed the importance of the chaplain service in the ATO zone, who spiritually support the Ukrainian defenders. He also reminded of the power of prayer during the Revolution of Dignity, when the priests showed the unity of the Ukrainian people.
Patriarch Filaret conferred the Order of the Holy Prince Volodymyr of I degree.
