Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently met with representatives of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. In a social media post, President Zelensky expressed his gratitude for the prayers offered for Ukraine and its people by the delegation. He emphasized the importance of overcoming the challenges facing the Church in Ukraine and stressed the need for true stability and peace in the region.
It is recalled that the delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate arrived in Kyiv on the afternoon of August 21, 2024. The group included Archbishop Hilarion of Winnipeg, Metropolitan Job of Pisidia, and Patriarchal Deacon Epiphanius Kamjanovich. Their visit was part of the celebrations marking the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine’s independence.
During their visit, the delegation met with state authorities and ecclesiastical leaders to address key issues, including the ongoing challenges within the Orthodox community in Ukraine. Among the figures they engaged with was the honorary emeritus “Patriarch” and former Metropolitan of Kyiv, Filaret. Discussions with Filaret covered several critical topics, including the current issues within the Church, the impact of Russian military aggression on Ukraine, state-church relations, and the ongoing dialogue among Orthodox communities in Ukraine.