Head of the UGCC met with the newly elected President of Ukraine

Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated His Beatitude on his birthday and expressed the words of respect to the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church for the constant and lasting spiritual support of all Ukrainians in these difficult times.

Consequently, the Head of the UGCC congratulated Mr. Volodymyr Zelensky on his election to the presidential service. The Primate assured him of the openness of the UGCC to cooperate on a partnership basis for the good of the Ukrainian people and our state.

During the meeting a number of important issues for the future and independent Ukraine and the role of the UGCC in these processes were discussed. It was mentioned the important mission of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations in preserving religious peace; also of the public initiative "National Forum Transformation of Ukraine" - in realizing the deep desire of our people to build a European Ukraine, a full member of the EU.

Separately, His Beatitude Sviatoslav mentioned the importance of the World Congress of Ukrainians and the great Ukrainian diaspora in the sphere of support of our state on the world stage, as well as the need for an appropriate response to the challenges of the hybrid war which the aggressor country is leading against Ukraine through propaganda and misinformation.

The Head of the UGCC mentioned the problem of the mass emigration of young people from Ukraine and the role of the Church here, which not only to provide proper pastoral care to emigrants, but also to ensure their connection with the motherland. "Our concern is, in particular, the youth who leave the country in search of high-quality European education. Therefore, we want to invite you to Lviv, to the Ukrainian Catholic University, which is a modern European Christian and academic platform for young Ukrainians," said His Beatitude Sviatoslav.

Volodymyr Zelensky, in particular, thanked the Bishop for the service that the UGCC carries out in the occupied territories of the Donbas and annexed Crimea, thus maintaining the connection with these citizens of Ukraine and giving them proper care. He also expressed his gratitude for greetings, valuable thoughts and openness to cooperation.

On parting, the Head of the Church gave a noteworthy guest a book about the history of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and the icon of the twelve largest church holidays.

 Department of Information of the UGCC