1020th anniversary of Baptism of Kyivan Rus will help to unify Orthodox Churches’ branches

Speaking about the coming celebration of 1020th anniversary of Baptism of Kyivan Rus’, President Victor Yushchenko said that the event is very important for unification of Orthodox Churches’ branches in Ukraine.

He also said that the visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I to Ukraine on this occasion will contribute to establishing dialogue between the Orthodox Churches in Ukraine. “Welcoming Ecumenical Patriarch is a great honor for our land and our nation,” added Victor Yushchenko.

According to Victor Yushchenko's opinion accord among churches in Ukraine is vital for country's development. As one of tasks for the state here he named establishment of suitable conditions for religions to develop. “I will be doing all I can… to bring Ukraine to accord among the churches”, - he said, adding also that establishment of a single Orthodox Church in Ukraine is his dream.

Ecumenical Patriarchy Bartholomew I has arrived in Ukraine to take part in celebration of the 1020th anniversary of the Kyiv Rus Orthodox Baptism on Friday, July 25.

He was met in Kyiv “Boryspil” airport by President of Ukraine Victor Yushchenko, President’s Chief of Staff Victor Baloha, National Security Chief Raisa Bohatyryova, Defense Minister Yuri Yekhanurov, acting SBU chief Valentyn Nalyvaychenko, deputy Foreign Minister Yuri Kostenko, ex-President of Ukraine Leonid Kravchuk, members of parliament, and representatives of churches.

Today the President of Ukraine and the Ecumenical Patriarchy will visit the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra Monastery, will lay flowers to the monuments to Princess Olha, Kyrylo and Mefodiy, to St. Andriy and St. Volodymyr.