His Beatitude Onuphry: At the inauguration, President spoke from the heart
Предстоятель Украинской Православной Церкви Блаженнейший Митрополит Киевский и всея Украины Онуфрий. Фото: YouTube-канал Информационно-просветительского отдела УПЦ
At the inauguration, President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky spoke from the heart, said the Primate of the UOC, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kiev and All Ukraine in an interview with the UOC Information and Education Department.
“I liked in this ceremony that the President spoke from the heart. He spoke in a simple way. And I think that the words he spoke were not some kind of masquerade, but this was what fills his soul and what is his main desires in his cadence of the presidency. This is the end of the war, this is what will improve people’s living conditions in our state to unite the state and not to divide on any grounds. It is necessary to unite people, not disunite,” said the Primate.
According to him, the inauguration of Zelensky was the apotheosis, the culmination of the choice of the majority of Ukrainians, which they made at the last election of the President of Ukraine.
We want the President to treat us, our Church, like everyone, His Beatitude Onuphry shared his thoughts with journalists.
“So that we will be equal before the law so that there will be no friends and foes,” he added.
The Primate wished Zelensky God’s help in the implementation of his plans as he is sure that the new President of Ukraine has good plans.
“He has good intentions. May God help him to make them 100% come true!” the Archpastor emphasized.
On May 20, 2019, His Beatitude Onuphry took part in the inauguration of President Zelensky. The Chairman of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine announced that the newly elected President had taken office. The head of state, after receiving the certificate of the President of Ukraine and the symbols of power, a personal seal and a mace, made an inaugural speech.
Archimandrite Alipiy (Svetlichny) also shared the impressions that Zelensky’s speech produced on him. “It was evident that he was sincere. Not excited, as Poroshenko at his time, about the attributes of power but took them with restraint. During the speech, he allowed himself to switch to Russian and exchanged barbs with the deputy Liashko. Neither ingratiated himself nor showed favouritism. All this is positive, the clergyman wrote on Facebook. “It is impossible to draw conclusions yet. It can only be stated that the President is unusual, with a lively reaction, humane. What is he capable of? Most likely, of unexpected and experimental solutions. The religious theme does not bother him yet. Perhaps he underestimates her. Or maybe he chose tactics, unlike his “predecessors", not to touch something that does not bring the useful fruit of the unity of the people."
Read also
Abducted Ukrainian Deacon Dies During Military Training
Abducted and conscripted Ukrainian deacon Orest Black, known for his devotion and sacred singing, tragically died at age 46 during military training, leaving a legacy of faith and humility.
Court Hearing on Expulsion of Monks from Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Postponed Again
A long-delayed monastery lawsuit against a sanctuary faces yet another indefinite postponement after the presiding judge went on sick leave.
OCA Clergy Gather for Winter Synaxis Focused on Renewal and Resilience
More than 100 OCA clergy gathered online for the Winter 2025 Synaxis to pray, learn, and reflect on sustaining pastoral ministry and avoiding burnout through renewal in Christ.
Trump Administration Moves to Ban Federally Funded Transgender Procedures for Minors
The Trump administration is moving to bar federally funded hospitals from performing transgender medical procedures on minors, citing evidence of harm and a duty to protect children.
Bp. Theodosius: Ukraine's Authorities Classify Icons as Works of Art and Relics as Mummies
ROCOR hierarch links current policies toward holy sites and clergy to Soviet-era repression, calls for prayer and respect for religious freedom.
Society of St. John's Day of Action Gives Hope Persecution of UOC May Subside, Analyst Says
Political scientist says congressional outreach and high-level U.S. statements signal possible shift in response to persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.